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.