BY REBECCA WANGARI
The Africa Population and Health Research Center (APHRC), in partnership with the Ministry of Health and the Murang’a County Government, is set to roll out a groundbreaking healthcare initiative targeting residents living with multiple chronic conditions.
Dubbed M-Care, the five-year project aims to establish a single, integrated platform where patients can be assessed and treated for multiple non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in a single visit, replacing the current fragmented system that requires patients to consult separate specialists for different ailments.
Funding for the initiative is provided by the European Research Council, which is concurrently piloting the model in Ghana and Uganda.
A One-Stop Shop for Holistic Healthcare
Speaking during the official launch in Murang’a, Prof. Charles Agyemang, representing the European Research Council, highlighted that M-Care specifically targets individuals from low socio-economic backgrounds who face persistent barriers to quality healthcare.
Prof. Agyemang emphasized that the programme integrates mental healthcare alongside physical treatments to deliver a holistic care model.
“Our aim is to create a one-stop shop for people with multiple chronic conditions instead of forcing them to move from one facility or specialist to another,” said Prof. Agyemang. “This model saves patients critical time and transport costs, allowing them to redirect scarce financial resources toward other basic family needs.”
Dr. Gershim Asiki, Lead Coordinator of the Chronic Disease Management Research Unit at APHRC, noted that integrated care ensures no underlying health condition is overlooked.
Highlighting the global surge in diabetes, hypertension, and high cholesterol—with developing nations bearing a disproportionate burden—Dr. Asiki reaffirmed that the initiative aims to significantly improve patient quality of life.
Pilot Implementation and Facility Enhancement
To roll out the project, APHRC will select 100 local health facilities across Murang’a County to participate in an initial 12-month pilot phase prior to full-scale deployment.
Bridging the Mental Health Gap
Mercy Karanja, Head of Mental Health at the Ministry of Health, welcomed the integration of mental wellness into primary care, describing it as a essential step toward addressing Kenya’s mental health crisis.
Karanja noted that approximately 25% of Kenya’s adult population suffers from a mental health condition, yet a substantial treatment gap remains.
“Failure to recognize mental health conditions negatively impacts the clinical outcomes of metabolic disorders and other chronic illnesses,” Karanja explained. “We expect far better overall patient recovery through an integrated framework where mental health is prioritized alongside physical health.”
Leveraging Data and Existing Infrastructure
Murang’a County Director of Health, James Mburu, assured partners that the county would leverage its existing infrastructure to ensure the project’s success. He highlighted that Murang’a has already digitized its health operations, creating a rich data repository for research.
“We are now fully prepared to collaborate with researchers and scientists to utilize this data,” Mburu stated. “This evidence-based approach will help us craft targeted strategies to tackle the rising burden of NCDs and mental health challenges at both the county and national levels.”
