One of the major health issues in Kenya is the high burden of infectious diseases, such as malaria, HIV/AIDS, and tuberculosis. These diseases continue to affect a large number of people in the country, particularly in rural and low-income areas, and they have a significant impact on morbidity and mortality.

Another major issue is maternal and child health, where maternal and infant mortality rates are still high. This is due to inadequate access to quality health care services, particularly in rural areas, and a lack of education and information about maternal and child health. TAR recognizes that the health and survival of mothers, newborns, and children are central to building thriving communities. Despite progress, maternal mortality in Kenya remains high, and preventable deaths of newborns and children under five continue to strain households and communities. TAR’s approach is to champion access to quality, respectful, and timely care for mothers and their children, while addressing systemic and socio-economic barriers.

Our MNCH programming also incorporates mental health support for mothers, as well as initiatives targeting male involvement to foster shared responsibility for maternal and child health. By focusing on early childhood development, immunization campaigns, and adolescent health education, TAR works to break cycles of poor health outcomes and strengthen the overall well-being of future generations. Key interventions include strengthening community-based education and awareness on antenatal care, skilled birth attendance, nutrition, immunization, and postnatal care. TAR also promotes partnerships with health facilities to improve referral systems and ensure the availability of essential medicines, emergency obstetric care, and newborn resuscitation services. Through advocacy, TAR supports policies that reduce financial barriers to care, promote adolescent reproductive health, and improve health-seeking behavior for women and children in rural and underserved areas.

There is also a significant burden of non-communicable diseases, such as cancer, diabetes, and hypertension, which are becoming more prevalent in Kenya. This is linked to increasing rates of obesity, physical inactivity, and unhealthy eating habits. Access to healthcare is also a major challenge, particularly in rural and low-income areas where the majority of the population lives. This is due to a shortage of health facilities, a lack of trained health personnel, and poor infrastructure.

The Government of Kenya has implemented a number of policies and programs to improve health and well-being in the country, such as Universal Health Coverage, which aims to increase access to health care services and reduce the burden of health care costs on households. Additionally, the government has established national campaigns to tackle infectious diseases, such as malaria, and provides some support for maternal and child health.

However, the country still faces many challenges in providing health care to all citizens. Civil society organizations and the private sector also play a critical role in addressing health issues and in providing health care services, particularly in rural and underserved areas.

It is important to note that Kenya is facing the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, which has had a significant impact on the country’s health system and on the overall health and well-being of the population. The government and various organizations are working to address the challenges posed by the pandemic, including through measures such as vaccination, testing, and contact tracing, as well as providing support to those who have been affected by the virus.