News and Events – PHDA

PHDA Shines at PREPARED Paris Conference UNESCO Headquarters

PHDA — Thu, 03 Jul 2025 09:18:44 +0000

In June 2025, the PREPARED Paris Conference held at UNESCO Headquarters brought together global leaders to advance health equity, community-driven research, and human rights. PHDA was prominently represented by Dr. Joshua Kimani, Clinical Director, Ibrahim Lwanga, Community Researcher, and Joyce Adhiambo, award-winning Human Rights Advocate.

The PREPARED Project is a European Union-funded initiative aimed at strengthening the ethical preparedness of research in times of crisis, such as pandemics, conflicts, and climate emergencies. It brings together researchers, policymakers, ethics committees, and communities to create frameworks that ensure research conducted during emergencies is rapid, responsible, and respectful. Through global collaboration, PREPARED promotes trustworthy, inclusive, and locally grounded responses that balance speed with ethical integrity.

Community-Led HIV Research Wraps up

PHDA — Thu, 03 Jul 2025 08:54:03 +0000

As the Community Insights in Phylogenetic HIV Research (CIPHR) project draws to a close, stakeholders reflect on the journey in ethical, community-driven HIV research. Based in Nairobi, Kenya, the CIPHR initiative set out to explore how molecular epidemiology specifically HIV genetic sequencing can inform more targeted and ethical HIV prevention strategies.

Through the engagement of over 1,284 participants across four key community organizations (BHESP, SWOP, ISHTAR, and HOYMAS), the project successfully combined molecular and behavioural data to identify HIV transmission clusters and emerging infection hotspots. By linking similar HIV genetic sequences and analysing viral load data, the study has shown how phylogenetic insights can support more responsive and effective programming.

CIPHR was more than just a research study as at its core was community participation and ethical reflection. An advisory group of community health activists was formed to interrogate the implications of phylogenetic methods and co-design a pilot study rooted in lived realities. This collaboration ensured that the science remained grounded in social context and community involvement

A decade of impactful service

PHDA — Tue, 15 Apr 2025 16:04:37 +0000

In commemoration of a decade of dedicated service, Partners for Health and Development in Africa (PHDA) organized two transformative medical camps in the neighborhoods of Kariobangi and Kawangware in Nairobi County. These camps extended healthcare access to the general population, touching the lives of over 500 individuals.

The anniversary initiative highlighted our mission of building healthy communities in Africa and through collaborative efforts of our dedicated clinic staff and the advocacy team of the Sex Workers Outreach Programme (SWOP), we provided essential medical services and support to individuals who often face barriers to healthcare access.

We set up bustling makeshift clinic stations at Dandora Chiefs Camp in Kariobangi and the County CDF offices in Kawangware, where community members sought medical assistance and guidance. The medical camps offered a comprehensive array of services tailored to address the diverse needs of the local population. This included HIV testing and counseling, diabetes testing, and blood pressure screenings. Children also received free checkup diagnoses for common diseases. In addition to these services, invaluable health education was provided to empower individuals with knowledge about maintaining their health and preventing diseases.

We express deep gratitude to the community for their steadfast support and trust. As we look towards the future, PHDA remains resolute in its commitment to ‘Reimagine the Health Equity Agenda for Marginalized populations’ through impactful interventions.

UoN STD/HIV/SRH Collaborative Research Group Annual Review Meeting

PHDA — Fri, 04 Apr 2025 00:51:32 +0000

In a bid to foster transparency and build trust within the communities it serves, we recently welcomed members from our community to visit the University of Nairobi Institute for Infectious and Tropical Diseases (UNITID) Laboratory. This engagement visit provided an invaluable opportunity for community members to witness firsthand how samples from the SWOP clinics are received, handled, and processed.
Through a guided tour, attendees gained insights into the meticulous processes behind the research, reinforcing the organization’s commitment to delivering credible, community-centered health research.

Community engagement visit at UNITID Laboratory

PHDA — Sat, 01 Mar 2025 11:21:13 +0000

G-Jali campaign empowering Kenyan youth with digital and TV content on sexual health

PHDA — Sat, 01 Mar 2025 11:20:37 +0000

The G-Jali campaign, led by the National Syndemic Diseases Control Council (NSDCC) with the Technical support from PHDA HIV Prevention Technical Support unit (TSU), is transforming adolescents and young people’s (AYP) health across the country with sexual health information. Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) among the AYP is aimed at addressing the knowledge gaps and to empower adolescents and young people to make informed decisions about their sexual health, the campaign targets individuals aged 10 to 24 with accessible, youth-friendly digital and TV content. Through innovative strategies, G-Jali has developed a range of engaging content, including short videos, TV drama series, infographics, and memes, to be disseminated across popular social media platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, TV stations, and Facebook to raise awareness and encourage the utilization of services related to HIV, sexual and reproductive health, mental health, and menstrual hygiene The campaign has also partnered with influencers and regional organizations to ensure the messaging resonates with its target audience and reaches a wider demographic. Among G-Jali’s key achievements is the production of “Open Secrets,” an 11-episode drama series addressing critical themes around HIV and SRH, which was aired on TV 47 and KBC. Additionally, over 80 influencers have been trained to amplify the campaign’s messages, with more than 50 short videos already produced and shared across digital platforms. As G-Jali continues its nationwide dissemination campaign, A significant impact is being made through knowledge dissemination, factual knowledge is shared and they are able to interact by getting their FAQs answered on these platforms. They will be able to make informed decisions about their sexual and reproductive health and through this the HIV cases among them will be drastically reduced.

Photo courtesy: https://g-jali.ke/

South-South Learning Network at the HIV prevention outcome monitoring workshop 2024

PHDA — Sat, 01 Mar 2025 11:20:12 +0000

PHDA was honored to have Parinita Bhattacharjee, Key PopulationsTechnical Lead & senior Technical advisor at PHDA, and Missie Oindo, Regional Lead for East Africa , at the HIV Prevention Outcome Monitoring Workshop 2024 in Gaborone, Botswana, held from 16th to 18th September 2024. The workshop gathered over 150 HIV prevention and strategic information leaders from 21 countries across Africa and Asia, alongside regional and global stakeholders.
South-South Learning Network (SSLN), in partnership with the Global Prevention Coalition, UNAIDS, Global Fund, WHO, PEPFAR, and the Government of Botswana hosted the workshop which aimed to bridge gaps in monitoring HIV prevention outcomes. Over the course of the workshop, participants engaged with the latest global guidance and tools, shared country experiences, and discussed new strategies for enhancing national systems for sustainable HIV prevention outcome monitoring. This initiative marks a significant step in ensuring that HIV prevention programs are effective, accessible, and person-centered, contributing to the global fight against HIV.