Calendar For 2023 Academic Year
AMREF INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY OFFICE OF THE REGISTRAR – ACADEMIC AFFAIRS CALENDAR FOR 2023 ACADEMIC YEAR Click to Download Calendar for 2023 Academic Year
Amref International University (AMIU) Launches the Strategic Plan (2022 – 2027)
While access to healthcare and health training remains a big challenge to many people in Africa, Amref International University is driven by the values of equity. In this strategic plan, the university seeks to train health workers from conflict zones and poor backgrounds across Africa, and promote inclusion in health education for girls by offering scholarships amounting to USD400,000. Nairobi, 25 November, 2022: Amref International University (AMIU), today launched its Strategic Plan that will steer the university operations for the period between 2022 and 2027. The Strategic Plan reinforces the university’s ambition to transform health in Africa by not only developing skilled workers but also agents of change. Since independence, health has remained a challenge in Africa with the continent having the highest burden of disease, early preventable deaths and inefficient and weak health systems – which must be addressed by a fit-for-purpose health workforce with the ability to challenge the status quo and re-chart its course in realizing lasting health change for Africa. The university, focusing primarily on health sciences training, develops health workers who have the ability to transform their communities, and continues to bridge the gap in training human resources for health, and meet the demand for quality and holistic learning in health sciences. This is in line with the Strategic Plan and in fulfillment of AMIU’s mandate of developing an appropriate health workforce for Africa’s primary health care. The development of the Strategic Plan has been guided by the constant challenges of availability of health workers in Africa which is considerably worse compared with other regions of the world. According to WHO, Africa has 25% of the world’s illness burden, with an estimation of Sub-Saharan Africa having only 1.3 per cent of the world’s trained health personnel. The reality is that there is a massive gap of more than 3.5 million health workers across the world. This includes a pressing need for at least one million community health workers and 350,000 midwives. Millions more existing health workers lack the necessary support, equipment and training they need to deliver on their mandate. Although gains have been made, the health personnel shortfall is predicted to reach 6.1 million by 2030, out of the anticipated global health staff need of 14.5 million required for the attainment of UHC and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Additionally, access to healthcare remains a big challenge. There are many families who do not enjoy the right to health as a result of conflicts, political instability, natural disasters and adverse climate change events, among others. All these factors increase the vulnerability of families and make it difficult for the majority to access health services. Amref International University is driven by the values of equity in access to healthcare. In this strategic plan, the university has prioritized training of health workers from conflict and marginalized areas, as well as those from poor backgrounds. AMIU will train health workers from these communities and support them to go back to improve their communities. “In this strategy, we have taken a different path in imparting knowledge. We aim to develop lifelong learners who hunger for knowledge and innovation to offer sustainable solutions to problems affecting their communities. Our model is problem and competency based and self-directed learning. As a way of rolling out this strategy, we have come up with a plan to build capacity of our lecturers to be competent in this pedagogical approach,” said H. E. Chancellor Festus Mogae. “The AMIU strategy recognizes huge cultural, political and socio-economic diversity of Africa, and existing disparities in ownership of wealth and access to education. The university will be undertaking various initiatives to deal with issues of diversity, equity and inclusion such as access to education in health by girls by offering scholarships amounting to USD400,000 for girls to access training in nursing and midwifery in AMIU,” said Dr Githinji Gitahi, Group CEO, Amref Health Africa. “Africa carry the shameful tag of a continent with the highest burden of disease. We are, therefore, developing health workers who have ability to transform their communities. We also believe that Africa will only get out of the current health status by developing homegrown evidence-based solutions. The research agenda of the university is, therefore, core to the change that we aspire for. This strategic plan has defined the kind of research which the university must carry-out,” said Ms. Muthoni Kuria, Chairperson of AMIU Council. “The higher education sector has its share of the challenges and is not easy to navigate, especially, with a university focusing on the poor and neglected parts of Africa. I am sure people must be wondering where we will get money to provide quality training and do research in these poor communities. We will do what it takes to support the university to meet the noble goal and meet the targets set in this strategic plan,” said Dr Charles Okehalam, Chairperson, AMIU Board of Trustees. [Ends] Notes to Editors About Amref International University Amref International University (AMIU) was established in 2017 as a Premier Pan African University of health sciences fully owned by Amref health Africa. AMIU is founded on the experience and intellect of Amref Health Africa, which is reputed with over 60 years of quality and innovative public and community health interventions in over 30 countries in Africa. AMIU’s focus is on training, research and extension in health sciences with emphasis on promotive, preventive, rehabilitative and palliative health. Its commitment is to progressively develop innovative programmes catering to the present as well as future Africa and global health needs. The University offers postgraduate, undergraduate, higher diploma, diploma, certificate programmes as well as Continuing Professional Development (CPD) courses that prepare human resource for health to serve throughout the health system. Visit www.amref.ac.ke for more information on our programmes. Media Contacts Betty Buyuka, Communications Manager, Amref International University. betty.buyuka@amref.ac.ke.
Air Pollution and Schools in Nairobi’s Informal Settlements: The NIHR CLEAN-Air(Africa) Research Group presents research findings to participating primary schools
Air Pollution and Schools in Nairobi’s Informal Settlements: The NIHR CLEAN-Air(Africa) Research Group presents research findings to participating primary schools Working with three schools from Mukuru, Kenya’s second largest informal settlement, research by the NIHR CLEAN-Air(Africa) led by the University of Liverpool and Amref International University has identified levels of air pollution to be substantially higher than safe target levels for health. The team monitored levels of particulate matter and carbon monoxide, known to be detrimental to respiratory and cardiovascular health, in school kitchens, classrooms and playgrounds as well as that breathed in by school cooks who have high levels of exposure from cooking with polluting fuels. Levels of air pollution in playgrounds, classrooms, school kitchens and breathed in by school cooks were much higher than WHO safe levels Whilst cooking with polluting solid fuels at participating schools is likely to be an important contributor to levels of particulate matter in schools, pollution from the community was also high contributing to high exposure to school staff and pupils during the school day. The research included surveys with 110 pupils at each school on their respiratory health and to understand their knowledge of climate change, air pollution and health to explore the potential for developing an education package for schools on prevention of ill health from exposure to air pollution. In the month prior to the survey 65% of pupils reporting having a cough with almost half (48%) reporting experiencing wheezing. In addition, 1 in 10 pupils reported needed medical attention for respiratory illness in the last 6 months (bronchitis). Responding pupils demonstrated a good understanding of the effects of air pollution on health (66%), and the causes of air pollution (76%) and almost all indicated an interest in learning more about household air pollution (91%). CLEAN-Air(Africa) will be undertaking further research at schools to understand how use of clean fuels for cooking can help improve air quality in Kenya’s schools. The group will also work with the educational sector to explore how air pollution and health can be effectively included in the curricula for schools. For more information on the CLEAN-Air(Africa) Schools Project please contact: Prof Daniel Pope – UoL (danpope@liverpool.ac.uk) Dr Emily Nix – UoL (Emily.nix@liverpool.ac.uk ) Mr Arthur Gohole – AMIU (gohole.arthur@gmail.com ) Ms Willah Nabukwanga – AMIU (willahnabu@gmail.com ) Dr. Sr.Margaret Nyongesa- AMIU (margaret.nyongesa@amref.ac.ke )
Amref International University held its 3rd Graduation on Friday 10th June 2022
Amref International University held its 3rd Graduation on Friday 10th June 2022
List of Successful CDAE EPI-FELLOWSHIP Applicants (2021/2022)
List of Successful CDAE EPI-FELLOWSHIP Applicants (2021/2022) Click to Download List
Calendar for 2022 Academic Year
AMREF INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY OFFICE OF THE REGISTRAR – ACADEMIC AFFAIRS CALENDAR FOR 2022 ACADEMIC YEAR Click to Download Calendar for 2022 Academic Year Last updated 16/06/2022
Amref International University Sets-up Campus in Makueni County
Amref International University Sets-up Campus in Makueni County Makueni, 22nd October 2021: Amref International University (AMIU), in partnership with the County government of Makueni, hosts a groundbreaking ceremony to mark the beginning of the construction of a campus in the county. The proposed campus, focusing primarily on health sciences training, will be situated along the Makindu-Wote road – a parcel of land donated by the Makueni County government. The new campus is set to bridge the gap in health training for the county, and meet the demand for quality and holistic learning in health sciences. This is in fulfillment of AMIU’s mandate of strengthening leadership, management and governance of health systems across Africa. According to plans authorised by the AMIU’s Board of Trustees and the University Council, the first phase of development shall kick off in the county between November 2021 and June 2022 – followed by construction of the University’s Institute of Tropical and Community Health in 2023. “Today’s groundbreaking ceremony is evidence of a successful partnership between the County Government of Makueni and Amref Health Africa. This is a journey that began with the implementation of joint programmes that have, not only transformed lives of residents of Makueni, but also supported health systems strengthening in the county and beyond. It also demonstrates the power of collaboration between state and non-state actors in enhancing service delivery, and improving access to opportunities for professional growth to the deserving Kenyan people,” said Dr Githinji Gitahi, Group CEO, Amref Health Africa. “AMIU is offering practical courses and being a premium university, the county government will support the institution to provide holistic education. Inspiring long lasting change is built on values. Amref is a value-based organisation, especially in its engagement with communities.” H.E., Prof Kivutha Kibwana, Governor Makueni County. The Governor also announced plans to build an airstrip in the county to improve access to the university. On his part, Prof Joachim Osur, the Vice Chancellor, AMIU said, “we are privileged to work closely with the government of Makueni in setting up a Pan-African University – one of its kind in the county. We believe that through such a facility, many health workers will not struggle to access health training facility to acquire requisite skills and knowledge that will reinforce human resources for health infrastructure for Makueni, and the country at large.” About Amref Health Africa Amref Health Africa is the largest Africa-based International Non-Governmental Organisation (INGO) and is headquartered in Kenya. With a focus on increasing sustainable health access, Amref manages programmes in over 35 countries in Africa, with lessons learned over 60 years of engagement with governments, communities, and partners. Amref also engages in programme development, fundraising, partnership, advocacy, monitoring, and evaluation. Amref has offices in Europe and North America and operates its subsidiaries: Amref Flying Doctors, Amref Health Enterprises, and Amref International University. About Amref International University Amref International University (AMIU) was established in 2017 as a Premier Pan African University of health sciences fully owned by Amref health Africa. AMIU is founded on the experience and intellect of Amref Health Africa, which is reputed with over 60 years of quality and innovative public and community health interventions in over 30 countries in Africa. AMIU’s focus is on training, research, and extension in health sciences with an emphasis on promotive, preventive, rehabilitative, and palliative health. Its commitment is to progressively develop innovative programmes catering to the present as well as future Africa and global health needs. The University offers postgraduate, undergraduate, higher diploma, diploma, certificate programmes as well as Continuing Professional Development (CPD) courses that prepare human resources for health to serve throughout the health system. Visit www.amref.ac.ke for more information on our programmes. For more information, contact: Betty Buyuka, Communications Manager, Amref International University. betty.buyuka@amref.ac.ke
Amref International University promotes modern clean cooking technologies For Health In the Largest Kenyan Informal Settlement
Amref International University promotes modern clean cooking technologies For Health In the Largest Kenyan Informal Settlement Nairobi, June 16th 2021: Amref International University (AMIU) in partnership with the University of Liverpool, UK launched a project to promote new cooking innovations (enhanced cookware) in Nairobi that could help poor households switch from polluting fuels to clean energy for cooking. The project is part of the CLEAN-Air(Africa) project (www.cleanairafrica.com) for which both Universities are founding members, and was funded by UK FCDO Modern Energy Cooking Services (MECS) programme. The project was conducted in one of Kenya’s largest informal settlements in Mukuru kwa Njenga. Two new fuel-efficient pots – the flare pan (Fig.1) and the turbo pot (Fig.2) were tested by 300 cooks against their traditional pots (or ‘sufuria’ in Swahili) to identify potential fuel and cost savings from the revolutionary fuel saving designs of the cooking pots. Dr James Mwitari, the Kenyan lead of the project, commented: “Each pot has the potential to save both time and fuel during cooking, encouraging households to displace concurrent use of polluting fuels such as wood and charcoal.” This so-called ‘fuel stacking’ leads to high levels of health damaging ‘household air pollution’ even in households that have access to clean gas for cooking. This air pollution is causally related to disease and mortality in African settings reliant on these solid fuels (e.g. firewood or charcoal) and particularly affects women and children due to traditional domestic roles. In Kenya alone, 23,000 premature deaths annually are associated with this cooking smoke. The project which came to an end on 30th May 2021 gave an opportunity for the participants to tests the pots. All participants were entered into a raffle to receive either one of the intervention pots or a brand new sufuria pot in appreciation of their participation in the project. The project received a lot of positive attention from both participants and the wider community with interest expressed by residents for acquisition of the new pots outside the project. Dr Mwitari reported: “The pots were well liked by the community with some excellent feedback on their potential to save fuel. In fact, we have been approached by a number of people asking where they can buy them.” The enhanced cooking pot initiative is one of a number of field projects currently being undertaken by CLEAN-Air(Africa) in Kenya, Ghana and Cameroon. Read More For more information about the study or any other aspect of the research program please contact either Dr James Mwitari (James.Mwirigi@amref.ac.ke) or Dr Elisa Puzzolo (puzzoloe@liverpool.ac.uk). For media enquiries, contact enquiry@amref.ac.ke or call +254 741 743 871
Call for Scholarships for Diploma in Community Health August 2021 intake
Call for Scholarships for Diploma in Community Health August 2021 intake Amref International University (AMIU) in partnership with Wolfson Education Fund grants qualified but needy candidates partial tuition scholarships for the programme of Diploma in Community Health. Click Here for the Full Call >>
Amref International University hold its 2nd Graduation
Amref International University held its 2nd Graduation on Friday 11th June 2021 It was a momentous occasion for the University as the first cohort of AMIU BSc Community Health Practice students were among those graduating. The University aims to continue developing market driven curricula for the training of health professionals who will influence health policy, regulation and inspire lasting change. Watch the full graduation ceremony on YouTube Amref International University 2021 Graduation List