Nairobi, Kenya — To improve the health of Kenyans in the western region of the country, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) has awarded a comprehensive health service delivery project to the Program for Appropriate Technology in Health (PATH). The project, APHIAplus, builds upon USAID/Kenya's country-wide health service support project known as the AIDS, Population and Health Integrated Assistance II (APHIA II). PATH and its partners will implement the APHIAplus project in Western and Nyanza Provinces from January 1, 2011 to December 31, 2015 and work closely with the Government of Kenya and a wide variety of non-government agencies.

“Studies have shown us that diseases such as HIV, malaria, and tuberculosis are causing greater suffering and death in western Kenya than any other part of the country,” said Erna Kerst, the USAID/Kenya Mission Director. “This is why USAID is pleased to renew its commitment to this region through the APHIAplus project.” She further noted that in addition to addressing specific diseases, the APHIAplus project would work on strengthening the region's health care system by rehabilitating health facilities, training staff, and supporting supply and communication networks. Like APHIA II, APHIAplus will strengthen the country's ability to improve the lives of mothers, children and their families in the areas of HIV/AIDS, malaria, family planning, reproductive health, and tuberculosis with quality health services.

PATH's five-year award is valued at US$143 million and is one of several region-specific health projects that USAID/Kenya plans to award in the near future. The APHIAplus program is one part of USAID/Kenya's comprehensive health strategy that is valued at US$1.5 billion over five years. It is one of USAID's largest health investments and is an important part of President Barack Obama's Global Health Initiative – a 6-year, $63 billion support to international health.

USAID has been working in Kenya for more than 50 years. Today, USAID/Kenya is working with the Government of Kenya, civil society groups and the private sector to advance democracy and the rule of law, to improve health and education services, and to modernize and grow the economy so that Kenya's wealth is shared by more.

For more information about USAID, visit www.usaid.gov