African Medical and Research Foundation

Amref Health Africa (formerly the African Medical and Research Foundation) is the largest African health development non-governmental international organisation based in Africa, committed to improving health and health care in Africa. Headquartered in Nairobi,Kenya, Amref Health Africa has offices in Ethiopia, Kenya, South Sudan, Tanzania and Uganda, and regional hubs in Southern and West Africa based in South Africa and Senegal respectively. In addition, Amref Health Africa works in more than 30 African countries through its outreach, training and laboratory strengthening activities.

Amref Health Africa’ was founded in 1957, when three pioneering surgeons who wanted to take health care to places where there were no doctors or medical assistance used aircraft and radios to reach remote and neglected communities. They became known as the Flying Doctors of East Africa, which later evolved to become the African Medical and Research Foundation (AMREF), now known as Amref Health Africa.

To support its operations in Africa through fundraising and advocacy, Amref Health Africa has offices in Austria, Canada, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Italy, Monaco, Spain, the United Kingdom and the United States of America, and a Nordic hub based in Sweden. The Amref Flying Doctors was converted into a company limited by guarantee in 2011 to raise funds for the organisation’s charity work.

With over half a century of experience in delivering health care and building health systems in Africa, Amref Health Africa supports those at the heart of the communities, particularly women and children, to bring about lasting health improvement. Amref Health Africa works with the people of these communities to build their knowledge, skills and means to improve their health (including health systems strengthening and capacity building). To do this, partnership and networking are key elements of Amref Health Africa’s approach. Amref Health Africa learns from, influences and partners with communities and community organisations; local and national governments and ministries of health; national and international NGOs and networks; global, regional institutions and donors to build long-term relationships and to ensure that holistic solutions are found to address the health needs of communities. Amref Health Africa is in the forefront of influencing global health policy agenda and actively participates in several global initiatives and forums to advocate for public health-related issues in Africa.

Amref Health Africa is governed by an International Board of Directors from a wide range of backgrounds, bringing a great wealth of wisdom, insight and experience to the organisation. The offices in Europe and North America also have individual Boards of Directors, while Country Offices have Advisory Councils. Mr Omari Issa is the Chair of the International Board, while Dr Githinji Gitahi is the Group Chief Executive officer of the organisation.

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