Institute for Family Medicine (INFA-MED)
INFA-MED is Christian-based institution registered in Kenya as a Trust, which began in 1995 at a meeting of representatives of several CHAK-affiliated Church Hospitals from rural Kenya, who had the vision of beginning a post-graduate training program for Family Medicine Practitioners. In Kenya and as in most of Africa, the emphasis has been on subspecialty training and care while primary care has often been ignored. Quality health care is inaccessible for much of the population of Africa. INFA-MED addresses this need through the training of Family Practitioners to provide the needed primary health care for underserved populations specifically targeting rural areas and slums of the cities.
Strategic Plan 2010 – 2014
Strategic objectives
INFA-MED priorities and activities are guided by the Strategic Plan 2010 – 2014. The strategic objectives in this plan include;
- Develop and expand Post-Graduate Family Medicine Education in Africa
- Advocate for policy and work environment implementation that will give family physicians the support needed to fully utilize their skills
Achievements
Development of the Family Medicine Curriculum at Moi University INFA-MED supported and worked together with Moi University Faculty of Health Sciences to develop a curriculum for Family Medicine. Moi University was to grant the degree of Masters in Family Medicine to qualified candidates upon completion of a three year course of studies at its Medical School Campus and affiliated teaching hospitals most of which were CHAK affiliated hospitals.
Future plans
INFA-MED continues to network with and support national, regional and international professional organizations to promote Family Medicine to become a strong and practical specialty within East Africa. It supports such ongoing initiatives as the formation of the Association of Family Physicians of East Africa which is envisioned to establish innovative, distance-education programs for experienced and committed generalists already serving in the more needy, often rural, areas of East Africa as well as the growing slums of its major urban centers.