Seven Kenyan innovators were recognized by General Electric (GE) for their contributions to improving maternal health. They were among a group of 12 selected from Sub-Saharan Africa who showcased their enterprises to potential investors and supporters in Nairobi, Kenya, under GE's healthymagination banner.
The recognized innovators included Daphine Nguunjiri, who developed an integrated community health program through a chain of micro-clinics in slums and a Healthy Schools Programme that delivers check-ups, treatments, and training to children in schools. Nguunjiri stated, "our goal is to provide accessible healthcare which in turn improves mother and child well-being."
Julius Mbeya of the Migori-based Lwala Community Alliance was also recognized for his community-led approach to healthcare, focusing on women and girls' empowerment. Mbeya said, "Our approach appreciates that healthcare is not all about doctors but spreading the knowledge and skills to the local community where some of the health challenges are numerous."
Other innovators were drawn from Uganda, Nigeria, Rwanda, and Ghana. According to Robert Wells, General Electric's Executive Director of healthymagination, "The GE and the Miller Centre collaboration takes an innovative and highly practical approach to combating this challenge, by providing social entrepreneurs with skills and resources they need to expand the positive impact of their innovations."
