KEPRECON

Keprecon Issue No. 5 is out🥳. drive.google.com/file/d/1K7ENhn… This edition is bigger, bolder, and full of insights shaping Kenya’s health landscape. We reflect on four years of #CEBA, highlight the launch of new Master and Strategic Plans driving health innovation, and show how religious leaders, Community Health Promoters, and media are championing advocacy and #HPV vaccine uptake. We also explore lessons in health financing, share experiences from the HPAs symposium, and dive into cutting-edge uses of AI in intrapartum care to improve neonatal outcomes. Every story in this issue celebrates growth, impact, and the power of collaboration across the health sector. #PHC #RMNCAH+N Happy reading ✨

Today, we convened for the Keprecon AGM, an opportunity to reflect, realign, and reimagine the future of health systems strengthening and population health research. Guided by our implementation philosophy, we continue to harness a diverse network of researchers, focus on impactful health systems and population health research, work strategically with national and county governments, and support grant writers to lead implementation. As we look ahead, our strategic direction remains clear: advancing equitable access to holistic, rights-based health services, strengthening frontline health systems, and driving transformational research that translates into real-world impact. Through strengthened partnerships, innovation, and a commitment to excellence, we are building a resilient institution that continues to shape policy, empower communities, and improve health outcomes at scale. #KepreconAGM

We are Excited to be part of the conversation at the #IMNHC2026 Conference! Join us as we speak about innovation in intrapartum care, sharing insights from the IMPROVECare Study. A great opportunity to connect, learn, and share ideas on advancing maternal and newborn health, and the role of innovation in strengthening care in low-resource settings. #MaternalHealth #NewbornHealth #InnovationInHealthcare #IntrapartumCare #improvecare #imnhc #keprecon

Wishing you our Muslim brothers and Sisters a blessed Eid Ul Fitr. #Eid #eidmubarak #EidUlFitr

Today marks a defining moment in Kenya’s health advocacy journey as we launched an advocacy masterpiece the #CEBA Playbook. Kenya has made steady progress in improving #RMNCAH+N indicators, including higher immunization coverage and reduced child mortality. However, disparities across counties, gaps in preventive services, and varying uptake of the #HPVVaccine remain, underscoring the need for sustained advocacy, stronger accountability, and increased investment in Primary Health Care (#PHC). It is against this backdrop that health officials, partners, policymakers, and Health Professional Associations convened to launch the CEBA Playbook a practical, step-by-step guide to implementing evidence-based health advocacy. Developed through four years of implementation, the Playbook captures real experiences, lessons, and strategies that have successfully moved data into action. Representing the @MOH_Kenya, Dr. Ephantus Maree and Dr. Ayub Manya emphasized the shift toward structured, evidence-based advocacy and the growing use of local data to inform policy and decision-making. They highlighted the importance of inclusive partnerships and ensuring that policies are effectively translated into action at the community level. From the CEBA team, Prof. @FredWere14 and Dr. @DanOdallo1 underscored that the Playbook is not about closure, but continuity, designed to nurture lasting champions and sustain momentum. They emphasized the power of partnerships, coordinated action, and the need to embed advocacy within systems to drive long-term impact, including advancing #HPVVaccine uptake. Dr. @simonkigondu, President of the @KenyaMedics_KMA, called on health professionals to step up as advocates, noting that those on the ground are best placed to influence change. He also stressed the importance of documenting lessons, positioning the Playbook as a critical reference for future advocacy efforts. Across all speakers, one message stood out clearly: sustainable change will depend on empowered champions, strong partnerships, and the consistent use of evidence to drive decisions. The #CEBA Playbook now serves as a roadmap for project managers, researchers, civil society, government leaders, and partners to sustain momentum, strengthen coordination, and advance advocacy efforts that will continue to improve health outcomes across Kenya. @TheKOGSociety @KCOA_Official

David and Sarah were hesitant to take their four-day-old baby back to the health centre, believing that since the baby was feeding well, a check-up could wait. A neighbour stopped by and shared how a routine postnatal visit at the primary health care facility helped her learn about preventing a serious infection that she hadn't realized was a risk. She explained that these early visits are vital for monitoring the baby’s wellbeing and nutritional progress. The next morning, the couple took their baby for the postnatal clinic. The guidance from the nurses turned their uncertainty into confidence, ensuring their newborn was protected and healthy. #CEBA #PHC #RMNCAH+N #HPVVaccine @KenyaMedics_KMA @nak_nutrition

Wanjiku had heard whispers about cervical cancer in her village, but the topic always felt shrouded in shame and "bad luck." She avoided the screening campaigns because she feared a positive result would mean an automatic death sentence. During a church women's fellowship, a survivor shared her journey, explaining that her cancer was treated successfully only because it was found at an early stage. The silence in the room was replaced by questions and, eventually, a shared resolve. The following Monday, Wanjiku went for the Cervical Cancer Screening. #CEBA #PHC #RMNCAH+N #HPVVaccine

Nurses are the backbone of healthcare systems, playing a crucial role not only in delivering care but also in educating communities and promoting preventive health practices. As trusted health professionals, they are uniquely positioned to influence health decisions and champion life-saving interventions. Today, the #CEBA team in partnership with @nnakenya Kisumu branch, engaged nurses from Kisumu County in a discussion on the #HPV vaccine and its role in preventing cervical cancer. The session provided an opportunity for the nurses to gain deeper insights into the vaccine, including the transition to the single-dose schedule and what it means for improving access and uptake among eligible girls. The discussion also highlighted the important role nurses play as advocates helping to demystify misinformation and miscommunication surrounding the #HPVVaccine while guiding communities with accurate, evidence-based information. They were encouraged to actively use both social media and mainstream media platforms to share credible information, address myths, and amplify awareness about the importance of HPV vaccination in protecting girls from cervical cancer. #PHC #RMNCAH+N

When Miriam, a young expectant mother, walked into her local health facility for her very first antenatal visit, she didn’t realize how life-changing that visit would be. Through the care she received, Miriam learned about the importance of proper nutrition, skilled birth attendance, and preparing for a safe delivery. Months later, with the support of trained health professionals, she welcomed a healthy baby into the world. Miriam’s safe journey to motherhood inspired other women in her village to seek care early. Her story is proof that strengthening PHC systems creates ripple effects, saving lives and building healthier communities. #CEBA #PHC #RMNCAH+N #HPV Vaccine @KenyaMedics_KMA

To all the women, you're all incredible. You make the world so bright. #internationalwomensday #HappyInternationalWomensDay2026 #happyinternationalwomensday

The #CEBA Project Regional Caucus Members have been strong pillars in the implementation and success of the CEBA project where they have been championing better health outcomes and increased local funding within PHC and RMNCAH+N spaces. The Caucus has created a unified voice that engages county leadership and decision-makers to prioritize health in planning, budgeting, and policy discussions. Caucus members have gained the skills and confidence to engage Governors, county executives, and technical teams in meaningful conversations on health priorities. Their advocacy has contributed to ensuring that critical issues in #PHC/ #RMNCAH+N and #HPV vaccination are included in county development plans and implementation frameworks. In several counties, these efforts have supported the development of policies, the launch of county-level initiatives, and increased allocation of local resources to support health and nutrition interventions. The cross-sector and inter-departmental collaborative approach has enabled counties to identify practical solutions to local challenges, implement community-centered initiatives, and promote awareness on issues affecting mothers, children, and families. From supporting nutrition planning and improving food security initiatives to promoting immunization awareness and strengthening accountability through data and evidence, the impact of this collective advocacy continues to be felt at the county level. Beyond influencing policy and resource allocation, the experience has empowered health professionals to step into their leadership role as advocates for the communities they serve. By engaging decision-makers with evidence and practical solutions, they continue to champion sustainable approaches that strengthen health systems and ensure that the gains made in #PHC and #RMNCAH+N advocacy are protected and sustained for the benefit of communities across counties. @KenyaMedics_KMA

Today is *International HPV Awareness Day* , a reminder that awareness and prevention can save lives. Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is very common. Most people will get HPV at some point in their lives, often without any signs or symptoms. While many infections clear on their own, some high-risk types of HPV can lead to cancers, including cervical cancer. The good news is that HPV-related cancers are largely preventable. Vaccination helps protect against HPV infection. Regular screening helps detect early cell changes before they become cancer. HPV affects both women and men and spreads through close skin-to-skin contact. Knowing your status, getting vaccinated, and going for screening are simple steps that make a powerful difference. Protect yourself. Protect your loved ones. Choose prevention today. #HPVAwarenessDay #NCIKenya #HPVVaccine #CancerPrevention #CervicalCancerPrevention #HealthyKenya

The HPV Vaccine is a shield against Cerival Cancer which is given to girls aged 10-14 years for free across the country. For the girls and women beyond this age, the vaccine is also available. Visit your nearest health centre and get vaccinated. #HPVVaccine #HPVAwareness

At 19, Faith thought reproductive health services were only for married women. Whenever she passed the health centre, she would lower her eyes and walk faster, afraid someone might judge her for going in. One afternoon, a community health promoter visited her youth group and spoke openly about reproductive health, about understanding your cycle, preventing infections, proper hygiene, and asking questions without shame. Faith realized something important: seeking information was not a sign of wrongdoing. It was a sign of responsibility. A week later, she walked into the health facility with confidence. She left with accurate information, clarity about her options, and the reassurance that her future was still hers to shape. #CEBA #PHC #RMNCAH+N #HPV Vaccine

Mary had planned to deliver at home, just as her mother had, believing the hospital was only for emergencies. However, while at the market, a vendor shared how a sudden complication during her own labour was managed only because she was already at the health care facility with skilled birth attendants. #CEBA #PHC #RMNCAH+N #HPVVaccine

We convened a dinner knowledge-sharing meeting with County First Ladies @cfla_kenya who are champions in the #CEBA project to reflect on lessons from implementation and define practical pathways for sustaining and scaling advocacy impact beyond the project lifecycle. Together the engagement focused on documenting key lessons and best practices for the past four years of implementation, agreeing on a clear framework for continued collaboration, and identifying priority actions to strengthen #PHC/#RMNCAH+N advocacy, including cervical cancer prevention and #HPV Vaccine uptake at county level. The meeting marks a deliberate step toward ensuring that CEBA’s gains are institutionalized, coordinated, and sustained across counties.

The ALIGN Consortium convened partners with a clear purpose: to strengthen country-led decision-making systems that determine how health product innovations are prioritized and introduced. At its core, ALIGN is about ensuring that innovation is not left to chance, but guided by structured, transparent, and evidence-based processes that improve health outcomes sustainably. The meeting began by situating ALIGN within the global context of innovation introduction, reflecting on how shifting health financing landscapes, regulatory environments, and emerging technologies require more deliberate and coordinated national approaches. The team had a recap from the previous meeting, drawing lessons from initial discussions and identifying opportunities to refine the approach. Key project milestones were presented, offering a clear sense of progress and reinforcing the Consortium’s commitment to measurable impact. Deliberations then moved into planned activities across the four pillars of ALIGN: strengthening whole-of-government coordination and capacity, advancing data-driven decision-making, deepening whole-of-market engagement, and enhancing advocacy. These conversations emphasized that effective innovation introduction requires alignment across policy, financing, regulatory systems, market actors, and community perspectives. By strengthening these pillars, ALIGN is helping build more efficient and equitable pathways from innovation to impact. #Align #Heathinnovation #innovationintroduction

Maggy almost turned back at the clinic gate. The queue was long, her baby was restless, and she wasn’t sure if she had come on the right day for his vaccine. As she waited under the shade with other mothers, a community health promoter sat beside her and gently walked her through her child’s immunization card, explaining what each vaccine protects against and why timing matters. By the time Maggy reached the nurse’s desk, her worry had eased. She left the clinic with her baby vaccinated, a clear return date marked on the card, and the reassurance that she was doing the right thing to keep her child healthy and protected. #CEBA #PHC #RMNCAH+N #HPVVaccine