Kenya has historically been considered one of Africa’s more economically advantaged countries. But the past decade has seen a dramatic decline in three indicators of human development – longevity, living standard, and educational attainment. In three years, Kenya dropped 20 places on the United Nations Human Development Index to 154th out of 177 countries.

Kenya has 70 malaria-prone districts, with the highest transmission occurring in areas around Lake Victoria and along the southern coast. The Nyanza province, along Lake Victoria, has the multiple burden of high malaria transmission, chronic poverty, and the highest HIV/AIDS prevalence rate in the country. It’s estimated that 170 million workdays are lost annually in Kenya due to malaria.

NetsforLife^® Implementing Partner

The Anglican Church of Kenya has 2.5 million congregants spread throughout 28 dioceses and 1,500 parishes. The Church has been a major force in health and development issues, with a focus on HIV/AIDS and malaria awareness and prevention. The diocese has decades of experience working in the Nyanza Province, through its on-the-ground partner Inter-Diocesan Christian Community Services (IDCCS).

Areas Impacted

NetsforLife is working in all eight zones within the Nyanza Province, located in the malaria prone region along Lake Victoria. NetsforLife was officially launched in Kenya in December 2006.

• Nyanza has the highest poverty rate (56%) and highest HIV prevalence rate in Kenya.
• The Anglican Church (through IDCCS) is well known and respected for its long-term commitment to these marginalized communities. As a result, NetsforLife has had a successful start supported by local stakeholders with excellent participation from clergy and women’s groups.
• Malaria agents, community health workers and community members have attended trainings in all eight zones.
• Participation with the World Bank’s measles booster initiative in July 2006 has demonstrated NetsforLife’s commitment to partnership.

* Data on Kenya based on figures from RollBackMalaria Country Profiles, 2002.