Over 200 disabled children in West Pokot have benefitted from free medical services from a team of doctors and medical specialists from the African Inland Church (A.I.C) Cure International.
The team of doctors camped at Kapenguria Referral Hospital for a day and their main target was only those children who are physically challenged.
The medics who comprised of orthopaedic doctors, physiotherapists and spiritual leaders who form part of the African Inland Church and Kijabe Mission Hospital in Kiambu County, were in West Pokot County to provide free medical services to children with disabilities.
They are operating under the ‘Jacobs project’ which is their immediate donor and Coordinator of AIC Cure International in partnership with AIC Cure Kenya.
Speaking to KNA, Dr. Joseph Theuri, who is the Medical Director at Cure Kenya and also an Orthopaedic Surgeon stated that their main target are children who are physically challenged and of 18 years and below.
“AIC Cure International is a mission hospital which is owned by Cure International Organization and our headquarters is in the United States, we are in partnership with the government and our mission is to reach those children with disabilities possibly across the country,” Dr. Theuri explained.
Another medic, Acadius Akongwi told KNA that they are doing various treatments for children ranging from surgeries which may include orthopaedic surgeries, prosthesis fabrication, orthosis fabrication, spine services, knee and hip services among others.
He pointed out that the services are subsidised and the patient only pay a fee that has been rated down and not at the normal rate for medical services charges.
”I want to really urge the parents to ensure they register with the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) so that it will help them reduce the cost of treatment. Body complications such as spine treatment and surgery are charged expensively since it normally takes longer time for one to come out of theatre room unlike in other body operations,” Akongwi pointed out.
West Pokot County Chief Executive (CEC) Member for Health and Sanitation Christine Apokoreng thanked the team of doctors for their gesture to undertake the free medical clinic in the County.
She noted that many patients would benefit from the exercise that could have been otherwise been difficult and expensive to access.
At the same time, Apokoreng commended the office of the governor’s spouse for partly funding the exercise to help provide such services to the residents.
The CEC however noted the provision of the subsidized medical services has helped local children since it was initiated in the year 2019, saying such medical services have always been provided after every two months to all needy children.
‘‘I want to urge all parents within West Pokot County to bring their physically challenged children for medication. They should not hide them for they will receive medication that would make their lives be better again,” she said.
Many children attended to were mostly those affected by burns in their bodies which might be as a result of fire, porridge, or even milk with some having physical body deformities.
Dr. Theuri who is an Orthopaedic Surgeon told KNA that the team has managed to do a total of between 200 -300 so far since 2019 to date in West Pokot County.
‘‘Any child who is assessed by a doctor and referred for surgery is normally referred to AIC Cure International, Kijabe in Nairobi and with transport sponsored by the County Government,’’ Dr. Theuri clarified.
For instance, Irene Chesang aged 14 years, who hails from Kapkoris in West Pokot has a right knee problem and according to the doctor’s report, she was told that she will undergo a knee surgery at AIC Kijabe Mission Hospital in Kiambu County.
On the other hand, a parent from the area Elizabeth David could not hide joy on her face after her son received medication which she came looking for.
Reverend Peter Waweru, a spiritual leader for the medical team had a big role in giving hope by using the Bible verses to those patients who were physically challenged.
“God knows you by your name, He loves you and has a plan for your life despite the challenges you are facing in your life,” said Rev. Waweru.
AIC Cure International provides medical services to disabled children only and its operations funds are donations received from other partners such as Hope and Healing International, Africa Mission Healthcare, Africa conglomerate Janus Continental Group (JCG) and Safaricom through Wezesha Education and in collaboration with the respective County Governments.
The medical organization has other locations across the country including Kitale ACK church within Trans Nzoia County, Eldoret, Kisumu and Busia County.
By Anthony Melly and Robert Kiprop
