With support from the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), DGRV’s projects in Uganda and Kenya are testing innovative cooperative models to address local healthcare needs. Health co-operatives are a new concept in East Africa, yet early studies indicate that they could play a significant role in providing universal health coverage to underserved communities. DGRV Kenya and Uganda are collaborating with local authorities and communities to establish health cooperatives in semi-urban and rural areas, creating accessible healthcare solutions tailored to local challenges.
In Kenya, DGRV is supporting certified health professionals—including nurses, clinical officers, and doctors—in forming health worker cooperatives. This model allows health professionals to deliver medical services independently, offering an alternative for people who cannot afford private healthcare and are underserved by the National Health Insurance scheme. The first health worker cooperative of its kind in Kenya is set to launch in 2025 in Nyeri County, thanks to collaboration with the County Government, the State Department of Co-operatives, health professional bodies, and the practitioners themselves.
Meanwhile, DGRV Uganda focuses on a community-driven health cooperative model, working closely with the Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Cooperatives. Through educational and awareness programs, various community groups have come together to form health cooperatives. Members pool resources through premiums, allowing cooperative boards to engage with local healthcare providers and secure affordable medical care, preventive services, and health education. This approach not only strengthens community resilience and accountability but also builds trust in local health systems, fostering a more robust and proactive health framework.
Through these pioneering models, DGRV is paving the way for sustainable, cooperative-led healthcare solutions that can adapt to the unique needs of communities in East Africa.
A Project Story by Team DGRV Africa
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