New Health Project Launched by Irish Aid Partners

The Embassy was delighted to attend the launch of Amref Health Africa’s new project Community Engagement in Health Service Management- Afya Bora Shirikishi. Funded by Irish Aid, this two year pilot is being implemented in Itilima district, Simiyu Region. Head of Cooperation, Ms Máire Matthews, represented the Embassy at the launch, which was held in Luguru Village.

The Community Engagement in Health Services Management -Afya bora shirikishi project focuses on strengthening health service delivery by building leadership, management and governance capacity and strengthening community health governing structures to better manage health care delivery. The project also aims to raise community awareness on their rights and responsibility as consumers of health services.

Amref Health Africa is Africa’s largest health development organisation with a vision to achieve “Lasting Health Change in Africa.” Acting Country Director of Amref Health Africa, Dr Rita Noronha, thanked Irish Aid and reaffirmed that the power for lasting transformation for Africa’s health lie within its communities.

Speaking ahead of the launch, Ambassador Gilsenan noted that Irish Aid’s priority is health systems strengthening, and that the decision to partner with Amref Health Africa was based on their extensive experience in engaging communities and the health system to support the delivery of high quality health services in the poorest and most vulnerable communities