Samburu: 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, undertaken in partnership with the County’s Department of Health and Probitas Foundation, targeted Samburu residents with limited 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.
According to Kenya News Agency, 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 counseling, and referral for those suffering from chronic diseases. Nasieku Lengidi, 38, a resident of Lchakwai, praised the free medical program, saying it was a lifesaver, 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.
Additionally, Probitas Foundation donated laboratory equipment worth over Sh1.5 million to Kisima Health Center after funding the refurbishment of the facility’s laboratory, which serves eleven health institutions in the area.
