The Safe Water and AIDS Project (SWAP) has established a robust network of partnerships and affiliations that significantly enhance its capacity to deliver health and economic improvements in Kenyan communities. These collaborations span governmental bodies, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), research institutions, and international agencies, each playing a pivotal role in advancing SWAP’s mission.
Key Partnerships and Networks:
- Government Collaborations:
- Ministry of Health, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Water, Sanitation and Irrigation: SWAP works closely with the Kenyan Ministry of Health, Education, Water, Sanitation and Irrigation and other Government Institutions to implement public health projects and research activities, ensuring alignment with national health strategies and policies.
- Non-Governmental Organizations and Networks:
- Health NGOs Network (HENNET): As a member of HENNET, SWAP collaborates with various health-focused NGOs and faith-based organizations to strengthen health interventions across Kenya.
- Kenya Water and Sanitation Network (KEWASNET): Through KEWASNET, SWAP engages with stakeholders dedicated to improving water and sanitation services, enhancing its WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) initiatives. SWAP was elected to serve as treasurer of KEWASNET in 2024.
- National Early Childhood Development Network (ECDNeK): This affiliation enables SWAP to integrate early childhood development strategies into its programs, promoting holistic community health.
- Research and Academic Institutions:
- University Collaborations: SWAP has partnered with institutions such as the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC), the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC) University of Southern California (USC) to conduct studies on various public health interventions, products, and technologies.
- International Agencies and Organizations:
- World Health Organization (WHO): SWAP is a member of the WHO International Network of Household Water Treatment and Safe Storage, aligning its water safety initiatives with global standards.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Partnerships with the CDC have facilitated research and implementation of disease prevention strategies, particularly in and water and sanitation interventions and epidemic response.
- Innovations in Healthcare is a nonprofit organization hosted by Duke University and founded in 2011 by Duke Health, McKinsey & Company, and the World Economic Forum. It is a network of 100+ innovators from around the world. SWAP was in 2016 selected as one of the innovators and has participated in several global and regional meetings and networking opportunities.
- Emergency Response and Humanitarian Partners:
- COVID-19 and Flood Response: Since 2006, SWAP has supported the Ministry of Health and humanitarian partners in responding to outbreaks such as cholera and COVID-19, as well as natural disasters like floods, by providing essential services and commodities. SWAP is member of the Western Kenya Humanitarian Hub.
- Product Development and Quality Assurance:
- Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS): SWAP’s collaboration with KEBS ensures that its products, such as the locally produced alcohol-based hand rub, meet national quality standards, enhancing infection prevention and control measures.
These strategic partnerships and network affiliations have been instrumental in expanding SWAP’s reach and effectiveness, enabling the organization to implement comprehensive health interventions and contribute to the well-being of Kenyan communities.
Global Level
Center for Diseases Control and Prevention
Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) in Health Care Facilities Community of Practice
Decentralized Chlorine Use Community of Practice
University of Illinois at Chicago
University of Southern California
University of Norther California at Chapel Hill
Durham University
University of California at Berkeley
Stanford University
University California at San Diego
Penn State University
Washington State University
University of Thomas Moore
University of Warwick
University of Heidelberg
University of Leiden
Innovations in Health Care
Harber Charitable Foundation
Yajuu Foundation
SWAP Kenya.nl Foundation
World Mathematics Fund
Embassy of the Order of Malta
Eden Park Foundation
International Centre for Diarrheal Diseases Research in Bangladesh
Better with Water
Aqua Research
Program for Appropriate Technology in Health
Yet2 Nasa
Donor See
National Level
Ministry of Health, Education and Water
National Commission for Science Technology and Innovation
Lixil Corporation
Ilara Health Ltd
Kenya Water and Sanitation Network
Health NGO Network
Early Childhood Development Network
WASH Sector Coordination
Technical Working Group on WASH in Schools and Hygiene Promotion
Kenya Bureau of Standards
Regional Level
County and Sub County Health Management Teams
Western Kenya Humanitarian Hub
Kisumu County Disaster Committee
WASH Network forum
Technical Working Group Neglected Tropical Diseases
Rotary clubs of Sagam and Oakland
Kenya Medical Research Institute
PharmAccess Foundation
Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology
Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital
Maseno University Scientific Ethics Review Committee
Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute