Our global structure

 Our global structure

AMREF was founded in 1957 and is the largest international health development NGO headquartered in Africa. We are planting the seeds of local and accessible health care, and those seeds take root best when they are planted by fellow Africans. That is why more than 97 percent of our staff are African. AMREF's headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya, sets the strategic direction and priorities for AMREF's work.

Country offices in Africa carry out health projects and influence policy and practices in their respective countries based upon specific country strategies agreed with headquarters.

National offices in North America and Europe support AMREF's work in Africa by providing funding and technical support. Additionally, the national offices influence policy and raise awareness of African health issues in their respective countries.

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History of AMREF in Kenya

AMREF was established in Kenya in 1957 as the Flying Doctors of East Africa but quickly progressed from a curative service organization to one that implements projects addressing HIV/AIDS, TB, malaria, reproductive health, water, and sanitation in over 40 districts around the country.

Throughout the years, AMREF has become more involved in influencing health policy in Kenya and has succeeded in bringing community voices and experiences to the national strategic planning platform. AMREF chairs a national health network and participates in more than 30 national committees and taskforces, especially within the Ministry of Health and the National AIDS Control Council.