Health Systems Management Association (HeSMA) was founded through the collaborative efforts of individual health managers and representatives of training organizations and healthcare providers. The representatives selected a working team that put together a constitution, registered the association. The Association was launched in May 2013. Representatives of the health care management institutions were later incorporated and helped in realizing the operating Strategic Plan 2013-2018. Thus far we have implemented (2) strategic plans. We spent the first 5 years on aggressive membership and stakeholder recruitments while 2018 to 2023 SP aims at actualizing the dream and achievement of results.
Although great strides have been made in improving the health indicators in Africa in the last 20 years, poor management of the sector has hindered it from being adequately responsive to the needs of the population. Of great concern, has been the level of management responsibilities put on health workers with minimal training and experience in management.
Guided by the motto Professionalism in Health Management through Systems approach, HeSMA supports health systems managers in their professional and academic growth and development. Today HeSMA remains the only professional voice of the health systems managers. Augmented by its broad infiltrative growing membership, at both individual and corporate levels, HeSMA continues to evolve as the premier organization for health manager capacity building and development. HeSMA’s approach is anchored on adopting multisectoral and multidisciplinary collaborative partnerships. Towards exemplary success, HeSMA will continue to transcend organizational and geographical boundaries to respond to the ever-changing dynamic needs of health systems managers. We have programs and projects aimed at achieving our dreams that include; Capacity development program (wired4Ex), credentialing and certification program, and health systems strengthening programs for the healthcare industry
Vision
To be an effective body of knowledge, skills and practice that promote the highest level of quality health service delivery
Mission
- To utilize systems approach to influence how health is delivered and managed
- To identify, advocate, lead in raising a generation of Health system Managers who will apply the systems thinking to respond to the needs and opportunities
- Provide technical support and consultant services on the areas of specializations within the pillars of health system
- To establish and develop a body of knowledge, skills and competencies who will be an authority in the leadership, Management and Governance of Health Systems
- Professionalize and regulate the training and practice of health systems management in partnership with health ministries and regional professional organizations
Objectives and Activities
Networking and development
To co-operate with government, private sector and development partners with similar objectives together or in part to support the mission and objectives of the association.
Development of Healthcare Management Profession
Advocate for discipline, code of conducts and optimal performance of our members.
Capacity for members
To bring together, provide means of cooperation and unite Health Systems Managers of all cadres and qualifications
Share collective opinions, views and decisions;conduct peer to peer reviews,mentor others on matters affecting health
Capacity for organizations
To bring together, provide means of cooperation and unite Health Systems Managers of all cadres and qualifications. Share collective opinions, views and decisions; conduct peer to peer reviews,mentor others on matters affecting health
Milestones
October 2012-2013
The idea of an association came up driven by alumni and students on Msc and Bsc programs in Health Systems management. Nomination of the founders and drawing for the constitution. HeSMA was registered as a professional body through the technical support of Wambui Kyama and Co. Advocates on May 13, 2013.
2013-2014
Research and consultation led by Rachel Onyango Waireri. Establishment of Capacity Development & Credentialing and Certification Committee. Conceptualized and put together HeSMA Management and Governance team including the Executive team. Strategic plan 2013-2017 drawn
2014-2017
Established MOU with Northeastern Unversity, Give Back Global, and IHF to support benchmarking of Health Systems Management. Collaborated with Health Systems Global and American College of Health Executives
2015
In partnership with the Ministry of Health, MSH, and other USAID programs, participated in the implementation of a leadership development program. Conducted the 2nd Health and Leadership program and organized all training institutions. Developed a road map to strengthen healthcare leadership development
2015-2016
Countrywide Health Systems Assessment, development of the report, and presentation to the Ministry of Health Cabinet Secretary Dr. Cleopa Maillu. Hosted public lecturers in Kenyatta, Kenya Methodist, Moi Universities and met leaders of health in 20 counties in Kenya. Development of action plan and conceptualization of programs
2016-2017
Developed key framework and tools for professionalization and institutionalization of health leadership, management, and governance, namely; Leadership and Management Competency Framework & Credentialing and Certification Guidelines and tool. Accredited and awarded for the first time in Kenya 7 Professional certification.
2019
HeSMA developed and launched the Wired4EX program, a capacity development program under the Capacity Development Directorate. Appointed Dr. Noral Obudho and Martin Kimathi. 6 professional courses rolled over in partnership with local and international institutions
2020
Memorandum of Understanding signed with Mt Kenya University, Empower Unversity, and ABMA (UK) to support continuous professional development for healthcare managers to be implemented through Wired4Ex Programm
2021
Launched an inter-University Higher Education Network program aimed at building the capacities of faculty members, enriching curricula on healthcare leadership, management and governance and overall uptake of programs by students
2022
HeSMA collaborates with UNICEF, MoH and County Departments of Health and other stakeholders to develop a curriculum, Competency Framework and Policy for Health Systems Managers