Journey for Change Q3 2025
For over a decade, Safari Doctors—a women-led, youth-powered, and community-driven social enterprise—has reimagined how health sustainability can be achieved in Kenya’s frontier counties through a One Health approach that connects the wellbeing of humans, animals, and the environment.
Rooted in education, advocacy, and care, our model continues to demonstrate that when health systems center people and partnerships, impact multiplies. With the right support, this community-led model can reach even farther—moving us closer to Better Health for All.
Strategic Direction: A Roadmap for Transformation
Safari Doctors now has a 2025–2030 Strategic Plan—a bold roadmap for scale, sustainability, and systemic change.
Our strategic priorities:
Strengthen Youth Health & Leadership
Equip young people with the knowledge, skills, and platforms to lead community health initiatives and champion positive social change.Advance Women’s Health & Empowerment
Improve maternal and reproductive health outcomes while amplifying women’s voices in decision-making at every level.Promote Integrated One Health Approaches
Implement interventions addressing the interlinked challenges of human, animal, and environmental health—particularly in the face of climate change.Expand Community Health Access & Impact
Scale delivery of inclusive, high-quality, and sustainable health services across marginalized communities.Enhance Institutional Capacity & Sustainability
Strengthen governance, partnerships, systems, and resource mobilization to ensure accountability and long-term resilience.
This is more than a plan—it’s a commitment to community-centered transformation, guided by experience, evidence, and shared purpose.
Leadership Transition
We are honored to welcome Dr. Wangeci Thuo as our new Executive Director.
A global health leader with nearly two decades of experience in neglected tropical diseases and community health systems across Africa, Dr. Thuo brings a wealth of expertise in policy, programming, and partnership-building.
wangeci@safaridoctors.org
We extend heartfelt gratitude to Umra Omar, founder and outgoing executive director, for a decade of visionary leadership.
Umra transitions into the role of Director of Innovation and Partnerships, continuing to shape Safari Doctors’ creative and collaborative future.
Board Growth: Leadership Steering the Journey
We proudly welcome new board members whose expertise strengthens our vision for growth and sustainability:
Ms. Amina Abubakar – Pharmacogenomics trainer and patient care advocate, Founder of Avant Institute.
Mr. Dana Hovig – Global health leader; former Director at Gates and Hewlett Foundations; ex-CEO, MSI Reproductive Choices.
Ms. Sumayya Hassan – Founder & CEO, GFunze Limited; advocate for youth, women, and deaf empowerment.
Ms. Michelle Kagari – Senior Global Director, One Acre Fund; former Deputy Regional Director, Amnesty International.
Eng. Philip Holi – Technical Director, Davis & Shirtliff; expert in technology and sustainable systems.
Their leadership deepens Safari Doctors’ ability to scale innovation and drive systemic change.
Youth Health Ambassadors (YHA): The Power of Young Voices
Across Lamu, Garissa, and Tana River, our Youth Health Ambassadors (YHAs) are redefining youth leadership in health—leading education sessions in schools and communities, collecting data, and mobilizing peers.
Q3 Highlights:
Expanded to 26 schools
Reached 1,250 students with SRHR, hygiene, and climate education
Youth serving as peer educators, data collectors, and service connectors
Through the YHA program, Safari Doctors is nurturing a generation of young leaders driving community resilience.
One Health Services: Human and Animal Health United
In Q3 2025, Safari Doctors conducted 32+ integrated medical and veterinary outreaches in Lamu, Garissa, and Tana River, reaching 3,796 patients and treating 1,106 animals.
From maternal and child health to zoonotic disease prevention, our Safari Vets and mobile teams continue to bridge healthcare gaps across Kenya’s frontier regions—ensuring that no community is left behind.
Mpeketoni, Lamu West school-going children receiving bicycles
Partnership Spotlight: World Bicycle Relief
In partnership with World Bicycle Relief (WBR), Safari Doctors launched a mobility program supporting school-going children, community health workers (CHWs), and youth leaders across remote areas of Lamu, Garissa, and Tana River Counties.
By strengthening mobility, the initiative expands access to both health and education—accelerating community impact and opportunity.
Shungwaya Health Access: A Model for Sustainability
The Shungwaya Health Access Level 4 Hospital, a partnership between Bomu Hospital and Safari Doctors, continues to take shape as construction enters its second phase.
This 52-bed facility—integrating clinical care, research, and training—is set to be fully operational by the end of 2026. It stands as a flagship of sustainability and innovation, strengthening long-term health access across Kenya’s coastal and northern corridors.
Model of the Shungwaya Health Access facility in Hindi
Looking Ahead
As we close Q3 and enter the final quarter of 2025, Safari Doctors will:
Expand the YHA network through a new recruitment drive
Scale the School Education Program to 30 schools
Deepen women’s leadership in health advocacy through collaborations with women’s groups
Advance the Shungwaya Health Access Project toward completion
Train and equip the next cohort of teachers and YHAs
Together, we continue to move closer to Better Health for All.
A huge thank you to our #JourneyForChange family!
Asanteni to our dedicated volunteer medics for their time and energy! A huge thank you to GCC, IZUMI, Segal Family Foundation, Partners For Equity, Crown Family Philanthropy, Pulte Family Charitable Foundation for continuing our wonderful partnership. Finally thank you, to our partners, Buffalo Bicycles and domestic airline of choice, Safarilink.
