In November, the Capacity Project completed a human resources for health (HRH) assessment for Kenya’s North Eastern Province, in collaboration with the APHIA II Project and the Ministry of Health.

The large but sparsely populated province has an acute shortage of qualified health workers. First, a workshop with a wide range of stakeholders launched the assessment to galvanize support. Data collection meetings were then held with district health management teams, boards and health staff at a broad sampling of facilities, including district hospitals, sub-district hospitals, dispensaries and health centers; the Kenya Medical Training Centre, DANIDA and faith-based organizations were also involved.

Consultants analyzed the data using the HRH Action Framework to determine key priorities and recommend strategies that will have the greatest impact on the supply, training and management of the health workforce. They briefed key stakeholders on the draft findings and recommendations. The Project continues to collaborate with APHIA II to establish and support a multisectoral HR leadership group for North Eastern Province to implement the findings of the assessment.

December 2007