Institutionalizing Community Health Services in Kenya: A Policy and Practice Journey
Salim Hussein, Lilian Otiso, Maureen Kimani, Agatha Olago, John Wanyungu, Daniel Kavoo, Rose Njiraini, Sila Kimanzi, Robinson Karuga
Abstract
<h3>Key Messages</h3> Institutionalizing community health services is a long journey that involves developing relevant policy documents that align with national and global priorities and have the support of political stakeholders. A legal framework and continuous engagement with leaders of subnational units is important to ensure standardization, institutionalization, and financing of policies. Policy should be informed by evidence generated from within the country to understand what is working well and address challenges that may limit implementation. Engage multiple stakeholders to use a multisectoral approach and to harness their various strengths to support policy development.