Traditional Healthcare Integration Network (THIN) born 16 years ago is a non profit, non governmental, development oriented organization.THIN has been involved in improving livelihoods through generation, dissemination and application of integrated (blended) knowledge and practices in the Kenyan local communities. Much success has been achieved in areas like agriculture and food production, human health and welfare, education, research training, environmental viability and conservation biodiversity and its sustainable use to name but a few. Despite THIN’s short history, the organization won the 2004 “ Total” Kenya Eco-challenge Golden Award for organizing community groups to plant 2.8 million high value medicinal and fodder plants in their farms. Prior to that, in the year 2000, the Executive Director of THIN organization had been recognized by the University of Massachusetts. He had participated in the making of the dictionary of Specialists in herbs, spices, medicinal plants – a resource used by fellow researchers interested in Medicinal and aromatic plants all over the world. In 2008, the organization organized a country wide training forum for traditional health practitioners and providers, including birth attendants to gain knowledge in integrated healthcare methods, practices and tools. THIN organization has compiled information and data on 15, 000 plant species used by local people in their healthcare – for themselves, their livestock and crops. Research on two of these species display strong sensitivity towards chloroquine resistant and chloroquine susceptible plasmodium. The organization has created a new website www.thin-kenya.org and www.thin.or.ke which will evolve as thin evolves and should function as an interactive two way avenue for strengthening our communication with all our audiences. Please use it – your suggestions, critiques and comments will help us keep in touch with the real issues – those that are crucial in this phase of THIN.

THIN’s Vision is “Basic Healthcare and Prosperity throughout Kenya – a vision that recognizes the basic need for adequate qualitative healthcare and food as well as holistic development as an urgent priority. I must thank the board of Directors, management and extension staff, volunteers and well wishers for the invaluable assistance, time and commitment they have willingly spent in bringing THIN organization to its present state. THIN’S activities have been a success story. Not to be forgotten are our partners, consultants and collaborators, who have maintained a high degree of co-operation. And THIN has become an equal opportunity organization- it does not discriminate their services on the basis of race, gender or religion.
Despite this successful story, there are however, considerable challenges to implement and manage the multidisciplinary facets towards addressing the achievements of integrated result health goals. The needs and challenges continue to be more and more than before. For example, the growing recognition worldwide that science and technology are required for solving critical development problems has created a desire – indeed a demand for greater involvement of a multitude of experts, including supporters, individuals, governments, multinationals, cooperate, scientists, engineers, doctors, donors, partners and the communities themselves. Effective mechanisms are also required to empower local and indigenous people more effectively so that their potential contribution can be realized in national development.
Everyone conversant with our communities knows that we are entering a new phase in the life of THIN. We will not be able to face all these challenges alone. We call upon you, supporters, donors, partners, decision makers, well wishers from within and without and the great Kenyan community from all walks of life to generously assist in making our dream a success.

Thank you so much for supporting us and empowering the Kenyan communities.

Regards,

Dr. Andrew Chapya

Chief Executive Officer & Senior Scientist

Attached files: 

Pp3.doc

Tasks

Step 3

Status	Task	Replies	Last reply	Time needed
	Training of community health practitioners in Kenyan villages	3	2010-09-30 10:36	Two weeks or more