Over 2000 residents from remote areas of Samburu West and North sub counties have benefited from a free medical outreach program organized by Persons of Influence (POI) a local non-governmental organization.
The two-day outreach program being undertaken in partnership with the County’s Department of Health and Probitas foundation targeted Samburu residents with little access to basic health services due to distance or financial limitations in Lchakwai village in Samburu north and Loshoo village in Samburu west sub counties.
Speaking at the event POI founder Ms. Miriam Chege noted that women including expectant mothers in remote areas walk for many kilometers through rough and insecure terrains to access the nearest health center.
“We noticed this gap and in partnership with Probitas foundation and the department of Health in Samburu County we aim at increasing healthcare access and promoting healthy behaviors to avoid diseases. This program would not have been possible without the support of our partners and the dedication of the medical team,” she said.
The medical team consisted of doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals who offered a range of services including general medical check-ups, maternal and child health services, HIV testing and counselling and referral of those suffering chronic diseases.
Nasieku Lengidi, 38, a resident of Lchakwai hailed the free medical program saying that it was a life saver especially for women, children and the elderly.
“Health centers are very far from us and we usually rely on traditional healers but today I have received an accurate diagnosis and medication for my skin disease,” she said.
At the same time, Probitas foundation donated laboratory equipment to Kisima Health Center worth over Sh1.5 million after they funded the refurbishment of the facility’s laboratory which serves eleven Health institutions in the area.
by Robert Githu
