Governance & Accountability
Transparency, Ethics & Responsible Leadership
OHAAN is committed to the highest standards of governance, safeguarding, accountability, financial stewardship, scientific integrity and One Health excellence.
19
Policies
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Governance Areas
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Board Oversight
Annual
Policy Review
Our Governance Framework
OHAAN's governance framework consists of 19 institutional policies grouped into five thematic pillars. These policies guide decision-making, safeguard stakeholders and ensure compliance with national and international standards.
Governance & Ethics
Board governance, ethical conduct, conflict of interest management, anti-corruption controls and whistleblower protection.
- Board Charter
- Code of Ethics
- Conflict of Interest
- Anti-Corruption
- Whistleblower Protection
Safeguarding & Inclusion
Protection of vulnerable persons, prevention of abuse, gender equality, equity and social inclusion.
- Safeguarding & PSEA
- Gender Equality
- Disability Inclusion
- Community Protection
Financial Stewardship
Financial accountability, procurement integrity, risk management and transparent resource utilization.
- Financial Management
- Procurement
- Risk Management
- Independent Audits
Research & Data Governance
Data protection, scientific integrity, ethics review, accountability and learning systems.
- Data Protection
- Research Ethics
- MEAL Framework
- Communications Policy
One Health Standards
Antimicrobial stewardship, surveillance, biosafety, environmental stewardship and outbreak response.
- AMR Stewardship
- AMR Surveillance
- Biosafety & IPC
- Emergency Response
Transparency Commitment
OHAAN publishes annual reports, audited financial statements and governance documentation to ensure accountability to stakeholders, partners and communities.
View Policy FrameworkThis page sets out OHAAN's governance and accountability commitments across 19 policies, grouped into five thematic areas. Each policy applies to all OHAAN staff, board members, consultants, partners and volunteers. Full policy documents are available on request.
OHAAN's governance and compliance framework is aligned with the standards and expectations of major international health and development organizations, including the World Health Organization (WHO), the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), the Wellcome Trust, GIZ, the Gates Foundation, and the European Union (EU). Within Kenya, OHAAN operates in accordance with applicable legal and regulatory requirements, including the NGO Coordination Act, the Data Protection Act, 2019, and the Environmental Management and Co-ordination Act (EMCA).
Governance & Ethics
Policies 1–51
Board Charter
Defines board composition, fiduciary oversight, committee structure, conflict management and strategic accountability.
Our Commitment
OHAAN's Board operates under a formal Charter reviewed annually by the full Board. It is a condition of board service and governs how OHAAN is directed and held accountable at the highest level.
Key Standards
- Board composition, terms and fiduciary duties defined
- Committee structure formalised (Finance & Audit, Programmes, Governance)
- Annual Board performance review conducted
- Minutes, resolutions and attendance records maintained
2
Code of Ethics & Professional Conduct
Commitments to integrity, transparency, scientific independence, respect and One Health stewardship.
Our Commitment
All OHAAN staff, consultants, advisors, partners and volunteers are bound by this Code. It sets the ethical standard for how we work, engage communities and uphold scientific integrity.
Key Standards
- Integrity, honesty and transparency in all activities
- Scientific independence protected from undue influence
- Mandatory induction and annual refresher training
- Breach reporting process and disciplinary framework
3
Conflict of Interest Policy
Annual declarations, disclosure requirements, recusal procedures and industry engagement safeguards.
Our Commitment
OHAAN maintains a Register of Interests with annual declarations from all board members and senior staff. Industry relationships are managed transparently to protect our scientific independence.
Key Standards
- Annual declaration of interests by board and senior staff
- Register of Interests maintained and Board-reviewed
- Formal recusal procedures for conflicted decisions
- Pharmaceutical and industry engagement safeguards in place
4
Anti-Bribery, Fraud and Corruption Policy
Zero tolerance for bribery, fraud, facilitation payments, kickbacks and misuse of resources.
Our Commitment
OHAAN maintains a zero-tolerance position on bribery, fraud, corruption and facilitation payments, regardless of local practice or competitive pressure. This applies to all staff, partners, agents and suppliers.
Key Standards
- Zero-tolerance policy communicated to all parties
- Prohibition on gifts or payments that influence decisions
- Formal investigation procedures with Board oversight
- Aligned with Kenya Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Act
5
Whistleblower Protection Policy
Confidential reporting channels, protection from retaliation, investigation procedures and board oversight.
Our Commitment
OHAAN provides safe, confidential channels for raising concerns about unethical conduct, misuse of resources or safeguarding violations. Reporters are protected from retaliation and all reports are investigated impartially.
Key Standards
- Confidential internal and external reporting channels available
- Anonymous reporting option provided
- Written guarantee of protection from retaliation
- Time-bound investigation with Board-level oversight
Safeguarding & Inclusion
Policies 6–76
Safeguarding and PSEA Policy
Protection of children and vulnerable persons; prevention of sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment.
Our Commitment
OHAAN is committed to the highest safeguarding standards for all persons who come into contact with our work. Prevention of sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment (PSEA) is a condition of engagement for all staff, consultants and partners.
Key Standards
- Safeguarding and PSEA policy adopted by the Board
- Mandatory safeguarding training at induction and annually
- Safe, survivor-centred reporting and investigation procedures
- Aligned with FCDO and UN PSEA inter-agency standards
7
Gender Equality, Equity and Social Inclusion Policy
Inclusive programming, disability inclusion, equal opportunity and non-discrimination.
Our Commitment
OHAAN designs all programmes through a gender equality and social inclusion lens, ensuring equitable participation for women, marginalised communities, persons with disabilities and pastoralist populations.
Key Standards
- 50:50 gender balance target across staff and training beneficiaries
- GESI integrated into programme design and M&E
- Sex-disaggregated data collected across all programmes
- Annual GESI audit of programming and staffing
Financial Stewardship
Policies 8–108
Financial Management Policy
Budgeting, approvals, grant compliance, segregation of duties, banking controls and audits.
Our Commitment
All expenditure is authorised, documented and reported to the highest standards. Independent annual audits are conducted and published within 90 days of year-end, with unqualified opinions maintained.
Key Standards
- Annual Board-approved budget; quarterly management accounts
- Delegated financial authority matrix in place
- Segregation of duties enforced for all transactions
- Audited financial statements published within 90 days of year-end
9
Procurement Policy
Competitive procurement, supplier due diligence, ethical sourcing and value-for-money principles.
Our Commitment
OHAAN procures goods and services through fair, transparent and competitive processes that deliver value for money. All suppliers are subject to due diligence, and procurement decisions are documented and free from conflicts of interest.
Key Standards
- Competitive bidding for all purchases above defined thresholds
- Supplier due diligence including anti-corruption checks
- Procurement committee review for high-value contracts
- Aligned with FCDO, EU and GIZ procurement standards
10
Risk Management Policy
Identification and management of financial, operational, cybersecurity, safeguarding and reputational risks.
Our Commitment
OHAAN maintains a living Risk Register reviewed quarterly by management and bi-annually by the Board, covering financial, operational, safeguarding, cybersecurity and reputational risks.
Key Standards
- Risk Register across all organisational domains
- Risk appetite and tolerance defined by the Board
- Quarterly management review; bi-annual Board review
- Business continuity and emergency response plans in place
Research & Data Governance
Policies 11–1411
Data Governance and Privacy Policy
Data protection, consent, retention, sharing agreements and breach management.
Our Commitment
OHAAN processes personal data lawfully and transparently under the Kenya Data Protection Act 2019. A designated Data Protection Officer oversees compliance, and all data sharing with partners is governed by formal agreements.
Key Standards
- Full compliance with Kenya Data Protection Act 2019
- Appointed Data Protection Officer registered with ODPC
- Formal data sharing agreements with all research partners
- Breach notification within statutory timelines
12
Research Ethics and Scientific Integrity Policy
Ethics approvals, publication standards, authorship, data integrity and open science.
Our Commitment
All OHAAN research receives appropriate ethics committee review. We are committed to scientific independence, honest reporting, open-access publication by default, and full authorship transparency aligned with ICMJE guidelines.
Key Standards
- Ethics approval required from accredited IERC (KEMRI, KNH-ERC)
- Authorship criteria aligned with ICMJE guidelines
- Pre-registration of trials and observational studies
- Open-access default for all publications
13
Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL) Policy
Impact measurement, learning systems and stakeholder accountability.
Our Commitment
OHAAN uses a rigorous MEAL framework to measure programme impact and demonstrate accountability to beneficiaries, donors and government partners. Indicators are aligned with Kenya NAP-AMR, WHO TrACSS and SDG indicators 3.d.2 and 3.8.2.
Key Standards
- Theory of Change documented and reviewed annually
- Baseline, mid-line and end-line data collected for all programmes
- Community accountability mechanisms in every project county
- Annual learning report published openly
14
Communications and Media Policy
Public communications, branding, advocacy and social media governance.
Our Commitment
OHAAN communicates accurately, responsibly and consistently across all channels. All public communications reflect our evidence base and values. Designated spokespersons and a crisis communications protocol are in place.
Key Standards
- Designated spokespersons and approved channels defined
- Scientific review process for all public statements
- Beneficiary anonymity and sensitive information protections
- Crisis communications protocol in place
One Health Technical Standards
Policies 15–1915
Antimicrobial Stewardship Policy
Responsible antimicrobial use across human, animal, crop and environmental sectors.
Our Commitment
OHAAN upholds and promotes responsible antimicrobial use across all its programmes, training and advocacy, aligned with Kenya NAP-AMR 2023–2027, the WHO AWaRe classification and the Quadripartite One Health Global Action Plan on AMR.
Key Standards
- Stewardship principles embedded in all health programming
- Training aligned with WHO Global Inter-professional AMR Competency Framework
- WHO AWaRe classification promoted in clinical and veterinary settings
- No OHAAN activity will facilitate inappropriate antimicrobial use
16
Integrated AMR Surveillance Policy
One Health surveillance standards and data-sharing arrangements across human, animal and environmental sectors.
Our Commitment
OHAAN conducts and supports integrated AMR surveillance aligned with WHO GLASS, WOAH ANIMUSE and Kenya's National AMR Surveillance Implementation Plan 2025–2027. All surveillance data is shared with NASIC and relevant national platforms.
Key Standards
- Protocols aligned with WHO GLASS and WOAH ANIMUSE
- Human, animal and environmental sectors covered
- Data shared with NASIC, KNPHI and county health systems
- Laboratory quality standards maintained at all sentinel sites
17
Infection Prevention, Biosecurity and Biosafety Policy
Standards for infection prevention, laboratory safety and community protection.
Our Commitment
OHAAN enforces IPC standards in all facility-based, field and laboratory activities. Biosafety and biosecurity requirements are maintained in all research operations, aligned with WHO IPC Core Components.
Key Standards
- IPC standards aligned with WHO Core Components and Kenya IPC guidelines
- Biosafety level requirements observed in all laboratory activities
- PPE standards enforced for all field activities
- IPC training integrated into OHAAN Academy curricula
18
Environmental Stewardship and Waste Management Policy
Environmental safeguards, pharmaceutical waste management and sustainability commitments.
Our Commitment
OHAAN integrates environmental stewardship into all operations and programmes. Pharmaceutical and laboratory waste is managed in compliance with NEMA regulations and WHO Healthcare Waste Guidelines.
Key Standards
- Waste management aligned with NEMA and WHO Healthcare Waste Guidelines
- No OHAAN activity will contribute to antimicrobial environmental contamination
- Climate-smart approaches integrated from Year 2
- Aligned with Kenya's Environmental Management and Co-ordination Act
19
Emergency and Outbreak Response Policy
Preparedness, incident management and coordination during public health emergencies.
Our Commitment
OHAAN maintains emergency preparedness plans and deploys AMR-specific technical support during outbreak responses in coordination with KNPHI, WHO AFRO and county health authorities.
Key Standards
- Emergency preparedness plan reviewed annually
- Coordination protocols with KNPHI, WHO AFRO and county authorities
- AMR-specific outbreak response protocols for priority pathogens
- Aligned with Kenya NAPHS 2026–2030 and IHR 2005
Transparency Documents
OHAAN publishes its Annual Report and audited financial statements within 90 days of year-end. Our Strategic Plan is publicly available. Full policy documents are available on request.
@2026 One Health Antimicrobial Resistance Network (OHAAN). All rights reserved.