Co-developing a multi-sectoral-primary care partnership to address inequalities in cardiovascular disease prevention and management in the Maasai in Kenya 

Kenya is experiencing a rising non-communicable disease (NCD) burden, pronounced among the poor and rural households due to lower coverage of NCD-related health services. There are over 1 million Maasai in Kenya, majority of whom experience high levels of poverty and poor access to care. Recent changes in land tenure, food production systems and weather uncertainties are promoting cardiovascular diseases (CVD) in this community. Furthermore, there is little information on how social determinants of health impact access to CVD preventive services in Kajiado county. This project builds upon prior research done in Vihiga county that showed placing health kiosks in markets (HEKIMA) has desirable impact in providing access to CVD preventive services.  

We plan to work with community members and stakeholders to establish a community multi-sector partnership with primary healthcare and identify actionable priorities for CVD prevention among the Maasai in Kajiado County. We will use participatory research methods to build partnerships and a shared understanding of lived experiences and how non-medical factors influence CVD in this community. Stakeholders will represent among others government sectors e.g. health, agriculture, trade, healthcare workers, civil society and community members.  

If successful the study will identify priority measures that can be applied as policies targeting social determinants of health, and improve access to CVD preventive health services in Kajiado county.