By Wahome Ngatia
Professor Fred Were, founding Executive Director of the Kenya Paediatric Research Consortium (KEPRECON), has spent his life championing the health and wellbeing of children. A professor of paediatrics and child health at the University of Nairobi, Prof. Were is driven by a singular vision: to eliminate child mortality in Kenya.
“I look forward to the day we bring our child mortality rate to zero,” he says. “We’ve made significant progress—down from 120 to 31 deaths per 1,000—but we need more public awareness to reach the standards of countries like Australia.”
His passion was recently recognized when KEPRECON won the Best Government Partnership award at the inaugural NGO Awards 2024.
From HIV Care to National Policy
KEPRECON began by advocating for the inclusion of children in HIV/AIDS treatment. After gaining success, the organization expanded to address common childhood illnesses. “We align with government priorities and localize implementation strategies,” Prof. Owere explains. “We also train institutions on implementation science.”
One of KEPRECON’s key achievements is adapting the WHO’s Pocket Book of Hospital Care for Children for Kenyan use. Now in its sixth edition, the handbook offers evidence-based guidelines for treating children in hospitals across the country.
Bridging National and County Health Systems
Since health is a devolved function in Kenya, KEPRECON plays a pivotal role in translating national policies for county-level implementation. “Just before this interview, I was meeting with the Council of Governors and Ministry of Health officials,” Prof. Fred says. “We push for health facilities to become centres of excellence.”
Backed by Global Donors
KEPRECON’s progress is supported by international partners including the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, USAID, the CDC, and the UK’s National Institute for Health Research. Their collective investment has helped shift maternal and child health practices across Kenya.
Where once mothers gave birth at home with traditional midwives—exposing both mother and child to significant risk—more women now deliver in health facilities where babies are immunized and postnatal care is prioritized. The result? Dramatically reduced maternal and infant mortality rates.
Overcoming Challenges
Like many pioneering organizations, KEPRECON faced skepticism in its early days. “We were formed in 2010 as an independent offshoot of the Kenya Paediatric Association,” says Prof. Were. “At the time, doctors weren’t involved in maternal and child health advocacy—civil society groups were. We had to prove our legitimacy.”
Despite similar mandates to public institutions like KEMRI and public universities, KEPRECON carved its niche through perseverance and a laser-sharp focus on child health.
Asked what keeps him going, Prof. Were laughs: “It gives me a break from my students!” But on a serious note, he shares that working in the paediatric ward at Mbagathi Hospital keeps him grounded. “I see the real-life consequences of inadequate healthcare. That’s what fuels me.”
Building for the Future
Looking ahead, KEPRECON plans to roll out paid training programs in partnership with top global universities like Harvard and Columbia. These sessions will equip healthcare workers across Kenya’s 47 counties with cutting-edge knowledge in maternal and child health.
The shift comes in response to global funding challenges, particularly following the USAID cuts under former President Donald Trump. “We’re pivoting towards more sustainable, locally driven models,” Prof. Were notes.
A Meaningful Award
The NGO Award is a milestone for KEPRECON. “This is the first time we’ve received such recognition,” says Prof. Were. “It validated our work. We’ll proudly share this achievement as we continue engaging with donors and expanding our impact.”
Want to support KEPRECON’s mission or learn more about their work? Visit their website or follow them on LinkedIn and X.
