Beyond Zero in partnership with Tharaka Nithi County Department of Health, MPES Foundation, UNFPA, AMREF, Flying Doctors Society of Kenya and PHILLIPS on Wednesday 25th May 2022 launched the Beyond Zero Medical Safari in Tharaka Nithi County at Kathwana Stadium.
The two-day safari was officially opened and graced by H.E The First Lady of Tharaka Nithi County Margaret Muthoni Njuki, with a Free Fistula Camp which started on 21st May 2022 ongoing at the Chuka Referral Hospital.
The Fistula Camp that is scheduled to end on 27th May 2022 aimed at creating awareness and encourage women and girls who are unable to control urine and/stool to seek free fistula surgeries and saw the training of 254 community health volunteers trained to carry out sensitization within their communities.
Other health services provided in the Medical Safari include cervical, breast and prostrate cancer screening, oral health screening, prostrate cancer screening, eye screening, Linda Mama registration, HIV testing & Counselling among other services.
On Monday 23rd May 2022, Beyond Zero in partnership with Tharaka Nithi County Department of Health and the National Council of Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) trained 11 healthcare workers on the new NCPWD tools for medical assessment of disabilities.
The camp which is in celebration of International Day to End Obstetric Fistula (IDEOF) will see over 50 women living with fistula-related complications in Tharaka Nithi County receive free surgeries and medical advice, under this year’s theme; “End Fistula Now: Invest in Quality Healthcare, Empower Communities”
28 successful surgeries have been conducted in the county under the program, with 3 patients already discharged, with partners optimistic of recording higher numbers of successful surgeries by the end of the camp.
“It’s a great honour to be considered by Beyond Zero from the 47 counties. We are grateful for what you have brought in an we look forward to transforming lives, especially in our mothers. It is important that we continue with this journey to help our people. As much as we are committed, as a government to focus on prevention of fistula, we call upon our partners to ensure this doesn’t end here” – H.E Margaret Muthoni Njuki, First Lady Tharaka Nithi County
According to WHO, Fistula has been termed as the single most dramatic aftermath of neglected childbirth, with estimates of 2 million women living with fistula in the world.
In Kenya, about 3000 cases are recorded annually, with only 7.5 % able to access medical care.
“We are glad to have impacted many lives of women in Kenya. We believe that through partnerships, we can transform lives. I appeal to women in Tharaka Nithi and beyond to come in large numbers to be screened and also receive free surgeries from the various medical teams,” Karen Basiye, Director, Sustainable Business and Social Impact.
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