A non-governmental organisation has rolled out a transformative community health and education campaign to empower schools and residents across Kisumu County, with a special focus on Nyando Sub-County.
The initiative being implemented by AMMA 4 Africa seeks to address the intertwined challenges of malaria, trauma, and communicable diseases that continue to undermine learning and development among school-age children in the lakeside county.
The Deputy Director of AMMA 4 AFRICA Resonance Healing Foundation Kenya, Yuanita Hongo, speaking during the programme launch at Go FISHNET Happy Kids Learning Centre, in Nyando, underscored the urgent need to tackle preventable diseases that affect learning outcomes in vulnerable areas.
She explained that the programme goes beyond traditional medical outreach to influence how children think, perform in school, and view themselves within their community.
The goal, she said, is to improve cognitive development, emotional resilience, and academic achievement by addressing health barriers that often go unnoticed or untreated.
“Trauma, frequent illness, and poor access to healthcare directly impact school dropout rates and performance,” Hongo noted, adding that the campaign is not just about health but about breaking cycles of poverty.
The campaign emphasises school-based health interventions, targeting learners, teachers, and parents in a joint effort to promote wellness and prevent disease.
“By integrating health into education, the initiative aims to foster healthier learning environments, boost school attendance, and build resilient communities,” she added.
The headteacher of Go FISHNET Happy Kids Learning Centre, Wilson Lai, commended AMMA Africa’s work, highlighting the positive changes already seen in the school.
He said learners are healthier, more alert, and more engaged in class since the organisation’s involvement.
Lai lauded the programme’s commitment to supporting underprivileged communities and giving hope to communities that have long been left behind.
As part of the campaign, the organisation is also running a free medical camp in Kochogo village, Nyando Sub-County.
The outreach offers vital services such as malaria screening and treatment, deworming, nutritional assessments, health education, and the distribution of mosquito nets and hygiene supplies—bridging a critical healthcare gap for many families.
The organisation’s approach is rooted in sustainability and local ownership. Instead of short-term aid, AMMA Africa trains teachers to detect early signs of illness or trauma, supports parents with home-based prevention strategies, and engages learners through peer-led health clubs and mentorship programmes.
Looking ahead, the organisation plans to expand its school health programmes to more institutions across Kisumu County.
The next phase will include reproductive health education, mental health awareness for learners and teachers, and continuous training to build capacity in schools and local clinics.
By Robert Ojwang’
