At least 1000 residents in Nyaribari Masaba constituency, Kisii County, benefited from a free medical camp organized by a heart health foundation, ahead of World Heart Health Commemoration Day.
The medical camp, which was organized by Mary Kerubo Foundation, was conducted by medics from various local hospitals, including Bosongo, Hema and Equity Afya on Sunday.
Addressing the press during the event at Gesabakwa Seventh Day Adventist primary school in Ichuni ward, the Foundation founder, Kennedy Ombaba, underscored the importance of heart health awareness among the residents saying it would save many lives.
Ombaba, who is also a Chief Officer (CO) at the Kisii county government, said the foundation was named after his wife, who died from heart failure two years ago.
He said he would continue partnering with other stakeholders to have more similar events next year, and also to reach out to learning institutions with awareness creation on how to save the lives of those experiencing a heart attack.
The CO said it was important for people experiencing a heart attack to receive first aid immediately before the attack became fatal.
Area MCA Wickliffe Siocha applauded the initiative, saying the awareness campaign would double up as a mental health initiative to benefit residents who were experiencing a myriad of health and mental challenges that sometimes lead to death, including by suicide.
By Jane Naitore
