An Innovative University and Non‑Governmental Organization Partnership in Global Health: Application of the Brocher Declaration to 20 Years of Collaboration in Kenya

1. Mutual partnership with bidirectional input and learning

• Education: Curricula co‑designed for bidirectional learning

• Research: Authors from Lwala and Vanderbilt included on all projects to ensure mutual skill development and attribution

• Service: Mutual identification of needs informs projects

2. Empowered host country and community define needs and activities

• Education: Educational projects selected by Lwala to allow use of student efforts to remedy identified problem

• Research: Research priorities directly established by Lwala and county government

• Service: Needs are defined by Lwala, solutions are co‑developed, and implementation is led by Lwala

3. Sustainable programs and capacity building

• Education: A long‑term nonprofit–university partnership helps facilitate and support educational programs. Lwala integrated into multiple Vanderbilt classes and degree programs providing infrastructure for such a partnership

• Research: Projects transferred to Lwala employees for capacity strengthening and integration into normal operations

• Service: CME courses carried out by Vanderbilt students and faculty support long‑term capacity strengthening of Lwala clinicians who provide direct care

4. Compliance with applicable laws, ethical standards, and code of conduct

• Education: Students undergo cultural competence and ethical training prior to trip to Lwala

• Research: All research is approved by a local Kenyan ethical review board/IRB, and appropriate research licenses are obtained from the Kenyan government

• Service: Supervision by Lwala staff on the ground ensures ongoing compliance with ethical standards and local laws by visiting students and faculty, in addition to written agreements

5. Humility, cultural sensitivity, and respect for all involved

• Education: Pre‑travel curriculum is designed to educate students about local history and customs as well as to encourage humility

• Research: Lwala programming (non‑research) staff included in research to provide context and potential applications

• Service: Opportunities originate from Lwala employees and are grounded in a capacity strengthening approach

6. Accountability for actions

• Education: Bidirectional feedback allows for open dialog regarding programs and particular students/staff

• Research: Data sharing agreements, ethical/IRB oversight, board oversight, and active inclusion of communities and local government in research initiatives

• Service: Students complete a post‑service survey, Lwala regularly solicits feedback from communities through dialogues, anonymous reporting platforms, and household surveys