UMass Boston

Kenya Heart and Sole: The Afya Njema Project aims to partner with Kenyan nurses to improve cardiovascular and metabolic health in Kenya. Cardiovascular and metabolic diseases are on the rise in Sub-Saharan Africa, and new initiatives like Kenya Heart and Sole are needed to address the emerging crisis of non-communicable diseases. The Afya Njema Project improves cardiovascular/metabolic health primarily through surveillance, screening, and the development of risk reduction programs. By emphasizing community engagement, self-management, feasibility, relevance to the Kenyan people, and sustainability, we are working hand in hand with our Kenyan partners to create a uniquely Kenyan solution to the problem.

Kenya Heart and Sole is a partnership between the UMass Boston College of Nursing and Health Sciences (CNHS), Health for Nations, the Tumutumu Hospital School of Nursing, Kijabe Hospital School of Nursing, and the University of Nairobi School of Nursing Sciences. The project extends UMass Boston’s local work (Roxbury Heart and Sole) which addresses cardiovascular and metabolic risk factors in an underserved African American community. Together, the Roxbury Heart and Sole and Kenya Heart and Sole projects enrich the UMass Boston urban health mission with a global perspective.

Another delegation of students and faculty members will return to Kenya in June 2014. Check out the other pages in the menu to read stories of past trips, student reflections, recent publications, and ways to help. If you’re interested in becoming a team member, fill out an application for the upcoming trip in June 2014.

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