In 2024, we put our community-led health model to the test in new geographies, expanding our reach from 600,000 to 2.85 million people across Migori, Homa Bay, and Baringo Counties. Now, we’re using this evidence and experience to shape our next chapter of growth: bringing community-led health to Siaya and Nyamira Counties, reaching 5 million people across 5 counties by 2028.
Powered by our communities, we explore ways to fill gaps in primary health care. We test solutions and use these insights to change policies and systems. Right now, we’re testing strategies to:
As we expand our reach to new counties, we are using what we learn to change policy and practice at the national level, ensuring that health systems work better for all Kenyans.
In Kenya, obstetric hemorrhage, or excessive bleeding during childbirth, is the leading cause of maternal death. Additionally, one of the leading causes of newborn death worldwide is birth asphyxia, or inability to breathe at birth. These life-threatening conditions are treatable with the right training and tools, yet less than half of facilities offer maternity services and only one-third are able to provide emergency maternal and newborn care. To close this gap, Lwala has championed two clinical training initiatives:
Emergency maternal care: Since 2018, Lwala has trained health workers to manage obstetric emergencies through strengthened clinical protocols, hands-on mentorship, and access to essential lifesaving supplies.
Neonatal care: Recognizing the need for improved neonatal care, Lwala introduced the Helping Babies Breathe program in 2019, equipping health workers with vital tools for neonatal resuscitation.
We are currently strengthening emergency maternal and newborn care in 20 counties across Kenya. By training health workers and equipping facilities with lifesaving tools like the non-pneumatic anti-shock garment (pictured right), we can ensure that every mother delivers in a facility prepared to save her life.
In Kenya, we advance community-led health in policy and practice. We bridge the gap between communities and policymakers, ensuring that local solutions are translated into policies that transform the health system. We work through coalitions, including Community Health Units for Universal Health Coverage (CHU4UHC), which Lwala co-founded to fuel collective action for community-led health.
Globally, we lend our voice and expertise to the movement for universal health care and CHW professionalization, working with groups like Community Health Impact Coalition (CHIC). We also partner with our communities and leading universities to conduct rigorous research, evaluate our impact, and uncover insights that contribute to the body of knowledge worldwide.
