In 2024, NRHS Kenya took bold strides to address healthcare inequities by championing transgender-inclusive healthcare services across the country. Through targeted training programs, community engagement, and policy advocacy, NRHS Kenya empowered healthcare workers and improved access to quality care for transgender individuals.

The Challenge

For many transgender individuals in Kenya, accessing healthcare often comes with the added burden of stigma, discrimination, and inadequate understanding of their unique needs. This creates barriers that discourage many from seeking the care they deserve, further widening health disparities.

Recognizing this critical gap, NRHS Kenya launched an initiative to equip healthcare providers with the knowledge, tools, and sensitivity required to offer inclusive, stigma-free care to transgender patients.

What NRHS Kenya Did

1. Training Healthcare Workers
   NRHS Kenya conducted workshops and hands-on training sessions for over 1,000 healthcare providers across Kisumu, Nairobi, and Mombasa. These sessions focused on:
   • Understanding the unique health needs of transgender individuals.
   • Addressing biases and fostering compassionate, non-judgmental care.
   • Practical skills for offering services like HIV testing, hormone therapy support, and mental health care.
2. Community Engagement
   To bridge the gap between healthcare providers and the transgender community, NRHS Kenya organized forums that facilitated open dialogue. These forums allowed transgender individuals to share their experiences, helping providers understand their perspectives and needs firsthand.
3. Developing Resource Materials
   NRHS Kenya created transgender health toolkits, including guides, posters, and videos, to serve as reference materials for healthcare facilities. These resources ensure the knowledge imparted during training is sustainable and accessible.
4. Advocacy for Policy Change
   Collaborating with stakeholders, NRHS Kenya pushed for policy reforms to make transgender-inclusive healthcare a national priority. This included advocating for gender identity recognition in healthcare records and eliminating discriminatory practices.

The Impact

By the end of the year, the initiative had created tangible results:

• Improved Healthcare Experiences: Over 70% of transgender individuals surveyed reported feeling more comfortable and respected in healthcare settings.
• Increased Service Uptake: Clinics trained under the program saw a 30% increase in transgender patients accessing services like HIV testing and counseling.
• Greater Awareness: Healthcare workers expressed a newfound appreciation for the importance of inclusive care, with many committing to further training.

One participant, a nurse in Mombasa, shared, “This training changed how I see my role as a provider. I now feel equipped to offer care that truly meets the needs of all my patients, regardless of their gender identity.”

Looking Forward

Building on the success of this initiative, NRHS Kenya plans to scale up efforts in 2025 by:

• Expanding training programs to more counties.
• Partnering with universities to incorporate transgender health into nursing and medical curricula.
• Establishing feedback mechanisms to continually assess and improve services.

NRHS Kenya remains steadfast in its mission to create a healthcare system where everyone—regardless of their identity—feels seen, respected, and cared for.

Join the Movement

Stay connected with NRHS Kenya to learn more about our work and how you can support our efforts to transform healthcare in Kenya. Together, we can continue to break barriers and build a healthier, more inclusive future.