Get the full Report Here: 2021 Annual Report

Hello everyone! We at the Nyanza Reproductive Health Society (NRHS) are thrilled to share highlights from our 2021 Annual Report. What a year it was! Since 2002, we have worked tirelessly to boost health and quality of life across Kenya, and 2021 truly demonstrated our resilience and innovation, even amidst the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. We consistently drove progress in sexual and reproductive health, HIV prevention, care, and groundbreaking research. This year, we also launched our ambitious 2021-2025 strategic plan, which now guides our journey for the next five years.

Our core values – community participation, professionalism, commitment to evidence, integrity, and non-discrimination – shape every aspect of our work. These values ensure that our interventions are not only effective but also deeply rooted in and respectful of the communities we serve.

By the Numbers: Our Real Impact in 2021!

We are proud of the tangible differences we made in 2021. Our team delivered significant results:

• We connected with 8,052 individuals, providing them with vital health services.
• Our strong community reputation allowed us to perform 408 circumcisions, including 278 early infant male circumcisions (EIMC), even when direct funding was challenging. Many families chose us because they trusted our services from prior experiences.
• We conducted 2,231 STI screenings and treatments and performed 2,815 HIV tests.
• We distributed over 73,000 condoms and 35,000 water-based lubricants, reaching a vast number of individuals with essential commodities.
• Our dedicated peer educators made 6,160 contacts, sharing crucial health information and providing support directly within communities.
• For our clients living with HIV, we provided treatment to 54 patients, achieving an impressive 98% viral load suppression. We celebrate this dedication to positive health outcomes!

Our Programs & Innovation: Keeping Communities Healthy

As a leader in HIV prevention, we delivered a comprehensive package of services, including regular HIV testing, VMMC, health education, and the provision of PrEP and PEP. Our "Anza Mapema" program, tailored for key populations, introduced innovative social activities like "Movie Mondays" and "Therapy Tuesdays." These events went beyond mere engagement; they fostered community, addressed substance use, and offered critical support for gender-based violence (GBV) issues. In 2021 alone, we screened 2,297 GBV cases and helped 390 individuals access the support they urgently needed.

Our Research: Driving Life-Changing Solutions

We believe in science-backed solutions that transform lives. In 2021, we successfully ran eight research studies, including both observational studies and clinical trials. Projects like "Tatu Pamoja" and "Shauriana" deepened our understanding of HIV prevention and mental health support for men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender women. Our "URCHOICE" study gave us vital insights into what people truly want for HIV prevention, pushing us to explore and advocate for new, longer-lasting options beyond daily pills. Our diverse research portfolio also covered adolescent health, iron deficiency anemia, antimicrobial resistance, menstrual health, and gynecologic procedures.

Leading the Way in Policy and Partnerships

Our influence extends beyond direct services. We actively participate in shaping health policies and guidelines. In 2021, we teamed up with WACI Health to champion primary healthcare (PHC), with a strong focus on Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) services, especially critical during the pandemic. Our participation in various Ministry of Health Technical Working Groups, including those for Key and Vulnerable Populations and STI control, highlights our direct role in shaping national health strategies. Furthermore, we proudly took the lead in the MSM Health Research Consortium, demonstrating our commitment to making a difference at every level.

Behind the Scenes: Our Strong Foundations

Financially, we maintained a robust position, receiving unqualified audit reports that underscore our sound fiscal management. We prioritize our staff's well-being, providing pension and health insurance – because we know a supported team drives exceptional work! Our significant strategic planning retreat in December 2021 laid the groundwork for an even more impactful future, ensuring we remain focused on our mission.

We look forward to continuing our dedication to research, programs, and advocacy, transforming lives and communities across Kenya in the years to come!