About Jembi
OUR STORY
Our story began with the Open Architectures, Standards and Information Systems (OASIS) project, investigating open technologies in low-resource settings.
We soon needed a home for all this work. And so, with the assistance of two early OASIS funders, the International Development Research Centre (IDRC) and the Rockefeller Foundation, we spun Jembi out of its original home in the South African Medical Research Council into an independent non-profit company. Continuing to grow with programmes in Mozambique, Rwanda, South Africa and Zimbabwe. In 2009, we registered Jembi Health Systems as a non-profit company.
From the start, our strength was in the networks we support and cultivate. Our unique approach to partnering with governments to ensure the sustainability of our programmes. Acting as an intermediary between the public sector and our donors. Facilitating links between country programmes and the wider international open-source communities. These connections and partnerships were the sources of rapid, organic growth that required the refocused vision and mission. Clear messages about who we are and what projects we take on.
At each step, Jembi evolved to meet the changing needs. In 2010, our new Corporate Services Division began creating the systems we needed to take on larger and more complex grants.
At the centre of our work is providing value to our end-users. Once there is a clear value to their work-lives, we find users embrace new technology. If health practitioners see the benefits, we capture richer and more useful data. Helping end-user, funder and ministry. In the end, this serves our shared goal of better health outcomes for all people.
WHAT'S IN A NAME?
The djembe is a traditional West African drum, struck for centuries by skillful drummers that made them speak across valleys and plains.
Long before telephones, people shared stories from one village to another. Inviting 'everyone to gather in peace,' as the name suggests. The world's first internet; sharing ideas through the night sky.
We adopted the drum's purpose, as the symbol of both our work and our message. Sharing knowledge, benefiting and uplifting communities, crossing divides and distance together in peace.
WHAT WE BELIEVE
We believe that robust health systems, sharing information, will advance global health.
As an African non-profit, we are rooted in Africa. Strengthening our health systems with local people for their own needs. Investing in and developing systems that are within reach of low-income countries. Helping build their capabilities to support their own solutions.
Our ultimate goal is better healthcare for all people.
"the highest attainable standard of health as a fundamental right of every human being." ~ WHO
Open.
Honest.
Driven.
Caring.
Focused.
OUR VISION
A world in which health systems and information advance global health.
OUR MISSION
We are an African non-profit organisation improving global health by developing information systems, partnerships and local capacity, with a focus on low-income countries.
Our Funders and Partners
We work with these great organisations to fulfil their hopes for a better world. We partner with both our international funders and local country governments. We balance the needs of both ensuring the sustainability of our collective programmes.
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Certified Public Charity Status
Our organization has been certified as equivalent to a U.S. public charity through NGOsource's Equivalency Determination (ED) process. This status ensures U.S. funders can easily and cost-effectively support our mission, knowing we've met rigorous standards.
The certification simplifies compliance with IRS regulations, making us eligible for grants from U.S.-based foundations. It demonstrates our commitment to transparency and financial responsibility, fostering long-term funding relationships.
