Moi University Leaders Share and Learn with USAID 4TheChild
Moi University leadership and management witnessed the remarkable progress that is taking place within USAID 4TheChild and contributed to the program’s learning agenda during a recent two-day visit to many of the program’s initiatives.
Moi University delegation accompanied by USAID 4TheChild staff, during a courtesy call on Kisumu County Department of Medical Services, Public Health, and Sanitation leadership at the departments head office in Kisumu City in April.
The Moi University team visited Kisumu, Kakamega, and Siaya counties to assess the progress of USAID 4TheChild and fill gaps in knowledge and generate new evidence that can be used for collaboration, learning and adapting (CLA). They met and engaged with local implementing partners (LIPs) and program beneficiaries to get an in-depth understanding of program progress, challenges and opportunities.
USAID 4TheChild – the PEPFAR/USAID-supported Orphans and Vulnerable Children (OVC) and Determined, Resilient, Empowered, AIDS-free, mentored, and Safe (DREAMS) program – is implemented by AMPATH partner Moi University College of Health Sciences in close cooperation and coordination with the county governments and local partners. The five-year program seeks to increase access and demand to quality HIV prevention services by adolescent girls and young women (AGYW), ages 9-24 years, in Kisumu County, as well as increase access to quality health and social services for OVC and their families in Bungoma, Busia, Kakamega, Kisumu, and Siaya counties.
The delegation from Moi University included Prof. Isaac Kimengi (Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academics, Research, Extension, and Student Affairs); Prof. Robert Tenge (Principal, Moi University College of Health Sciences); Prof. Mary Wahome (Dean, School of Arts & Social Sciences); Dr. Dinah Chelagat (Dean, School of Nursing & Midwifery); Dr. Ochiba Lukandu (Dean, School of Dentistry); Dr. Julia Songok (Dean, School of Medicine); Dr. Patrick M. Kerre (Dean, School of Public Health); and Prof. Arthur Kwena (Associate Dean, School of Medicine).
In Kisumu County, the delegation paid a courtesy call to the County Department of Medical Services, Public Health, and Sanitation and engaged a team led by the County Department of Health’s (CDoH) Chief Officer, Dr. Ojwang Lusi. The Chief Officer observed “a great collaboration between USAID 4TheChild and the CDoH towards reaching over 49,000 orphans and vulnerable children (OVC) with quality county-led health services as well as mitigating COVID-19.” Dr. Ojwang maintained that “the County welcomes and embraces further collaboration with the University and USAID 4TheChild aimed at improving the welfare of the Kisumu residents.”
The University representatives also visited K’Adhiambo A Caregivers’ Group – a Savings and Internal Lending Community (SILC) group formed to provide members with access to credit and savings and to help them build financial resilience. The group has 23 members, 10 of whom are caregivers of 30 OVC enrolled in USAID 4TheChild through a local implementing partner (HIK). The members observed that SILC groups have had a significant impact on their lives, helping them improve their standard of living, increase their income, and reduce their vulnerability to economic shocks.
The delegates concluded their first field day at Angola DREAMS Integrated Hub which runs under a model safe space concept geared towards the integration of projects that promote service-seeking behaviour among AGYW by use of the innovative integration concept. The safe space serves 1,082 AGYW supported under the DREAMS program.
In Siaya County, members of the group accompanied by Juddy Mboo, USAID 4TheChild OVC and DREAMS Service Delivery Manager, made a visit to the local partner implementing USAID 4TheChild across the six sub-counties (GZA) and engaged the county staff and government partners on the progress of OVC interventions in the county. The team also engaged 20 OVC caregivers from Kamenga SILC Group who practice fish farming to generate income to care for and protect their children.
“We are proud to be a part of this important initiative, which not only restores and strengthens the resilience of food systems in Siaya County but also empowers women and ensures they provide for the orphans and vulnerable children,” said Dr. Songok at Kamenga fish cages in Lake Victoria.
In Kakamega County, University leaders, accompanied by Mr. Kenneth Otieno (USAID 4TheChild Acting Chief of Party), paid a courtesy call to the County Ministry for Social Services, Youths, Sports, and Culture and conducted a site visit to CABDA, the local partner implementing USAID 4TheChild across nine sub-counties. The team interacted with staff, community health volunteers, and OVC and their caregivers on the hits and misses of the interventions and ways to streamline service delivery to OVC sub-populations. Mr. Morphat Mandela (County Executive Committee Member - Social Services, Sports, Youth, Gender & Culture) expressed his appreciation for good working relations between his office and USAID 4TheChild, including the program’s support towards the development of the Kakamega County Child Protection Policy set to be launched in May 2023.
“The University acknowledges the importance of forming strategic partnerships to provide comprehensive and integrated services to our intended audiences and communities,” Prof. Kimengi appreciated the partners while urging the government to continue living the program’s goal. “This aligns well with Moi University's mission to work with stakeholders for the betterment of society.”