Health Systems Management Association (HeSMA) East Africa is a professional, non-profit membership organization dedicated to promoting excellence in health systems management. With a vision to revolutionize healthcare through a systems approach, HeSMA East Africa supports health managers in their professional and academic growth, fostering an environment where leadership and innovation thrive.
Founded on collaborative efforts between health professionals and academic institutions, HeSMA East Africa has been instrumental in addressing the challenges faced by the health sector. It emphasizes the importance of skilled management to ensure responsive, efficient, and quality healthcare services.
Members of HeSMA East Africa benefit from a network of peers, access to professional development opportunities, and the chance to contribute to the shaping of health policies and practices. The association offers various membership categories, including student, professional, life, corporate, associate, and honorary memberships, each designed to cater to the diverse needs of health system stakeholders.
HeSMA East Africa is committed to the continuous improvement of health management standards and actively engages in research, policy dialogue, and capacity building. It is a beacon for health managers aspiring to make a significant impact on healthcare delivery in the region
Vision
We envision a future where health systems management in East Africa sets the global standard for excellence. At HeSMA East Africa, we are not just imagining this future; we are actively creating it. Our vision is a beacon of hope, guiding health professionals towards unparalleled expertise through cutting-edge education, robust advocacy, and transformative evidence-based practices. Together, we are elevating healthcare delivery to new heights, ensuring every community thrives with the highest quality of care imaginable.
Mission
At Health Systems Management Association (HeSMA) East Africa, we are dedicated to fostering excellence and integrity in health systems management. Our mission is to empower health systems managers by providing them with the tools, resources, and support necessary to drive positive change and innovation in healthcare delivery across East Africa.
Guided by our motto, “Professionalism in Health Management through Systems Approach,” we strive to enhance the professional and academic growth of our members. We are committed to improving health outcomes by advocating for effective management practices, supporting research, and facilitating collaborative efforts among healthcare professionals, institutions, and communities.
Through our commitment to leadership, continuous learning, and community engagement, HeSMA East Africa aims to raise the standard of health management and contribute to the creation of robust, responsive, and sustainable health systems for all.
Objectives and Activities
Networking and development: We cooperate 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 the Healthcare Management Profession: We advocate for discipline, a code of conduct, and the 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. We also share collective opinions, views, and decisions; conduct peer-to-peer reviews; and mentor others on matters affecting health.
Capacity for organizations: Webring together, provide means of cooperation, and unite health systems managers of all cadres and qualifications. We share collective opinions, views, and decisions; conduct peer-to-peer reviews; and mentor others on matters affecting health.
Research and development: We conduct academic and organizational research to promote health systems research and analysis for organizational and policy support.
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