Capacity Statement

The AIHD was established in June 2004 in Nairobi, Kenya by a group of accomplished African researchers and academicians. The Institute’s main focus is on conducting research, training and advocacy on health and development issues that are contextually relevant to Kenya and to the African continent. The Institute is also involved in policy formulation on key development issues such as HIV and AIDS, poverty alleviation, gender, nutrition, malaria and health promotion. The Institute works closely with local and international development partners, such as the International Union of Health Promotion and Education (IUHPE), MAP International, African Medical and Research Foundation (AMREF), the International Development and Research Centre (IDRC), Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency, Department for Research Cooperation (SIDA/SAREC), US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Bank. The founder members have been involved in development work in various capacities in Kenya and in the region.

The Institute has constituted a Board of Directors drawn from accomplished scientists, financial and legal experts. In addition, the Institute has an external audit report, which provides an up to-date statement of accounts and procedures. This report is available for perusal by partners and other interested parties.

To accomplish its various activities the Institute has the vision of “Working with communities for better lives through evidence based programming” which it seeks to adapt in all its activities. The main focus is on building capacity of community groups; facilitate resourcing from within; and in-building sustainable mechanisms. AIHD is also focused on building the capacity of young people to work with communities in all its activities ensuring a generation of trained and capable professionals in community development.