The Health Kiosks in MArkets  (HEKIMA) study was developed by researchers at the Kenya Medical Research Institute, King’s College London, University of Nairobi, Moi University and Strathmore University in collaboration with the county leadership, health workers, market traders and patient representatives in Vihiga County, Kenya. Hekima is a market-focused health initiative that seeks to improve access to health promotion  services for the prevention of heart disease.

Heart (cardiovascular) disease is a leading cause of death in Kenya. Rural communities and those with lower socio-economic status are among groups facing difficulties in accessing health services; as a result they are less likely to go for checks-ups and remain vulnerable to the onset of cardiovascular disease. 

In Vihiga County Kenya, researchers at the Kenya Medical Research Institute, King’s College London, University of Nairobi, Moi University and Strathmore University in collaboration with the county leadership, health workers, market traders and patient representatives developed the Health Kiosks in Markets (HEKIMA) study. HEKIMA is a market-focused health initiative that seeks to improve access to health promotion services for the prevention of cardiovascular disease. For more information about this study click here 

The HEKIMA approach has since evolved to leverage additional community assets in creating and maintaining health to address marked inequalities across different settings in Kenya. The project has since expanded into Kajiado county, one of the home counties of the indigenous Maasai community. This work is being done in partnership with Maasai Mara University, County Government of Kajiado and King’s College London. For more information about this work click here