Strengthening health systems by integrating health care, medical education, and research: University of Nairobi experience.

Background: Lack and inequitable distribution of human resources for health (HRH) is a major health systems challenge in Sub-Saharan Africa. '.2 The Partnership for Innovative Medical Education for Kenya (PRIME-Kenya) is an innovative approach that seeks to strengthen health systems by increasing linkages and collaborations in health care, health education, and health research. This approach was informed by concerns of inadequate clinical exposure with increasing undergraduate student enrollment at a tertiary hospital; increasing demand for locally relevant health research; and the desire to retain health workers at nontertiary facilities during and after training.