The department of health services in Nyeri County, in partnership with Amref Health Africa in Kenya, has concluded a one-day integrated community outreach exercise at Tumaini Dispensary targeting residents from Witemere, Majengo, Kiawara and King’ong’o.
A team of medical experts camped at the site to deliver selected health services including; Diabetes and Hypertension Screening, Breast and Cervical Cancer Screening, Nutritional Assessment, Dental and Eye Check-up and Dermatology consultation.
During the exercise a large number of people attended ,135 adults and, 14 children under 5 years benefitted from these services while those with advanced complications referred to higher level facilities for further management and treatment.
Speaking during the exercise Emmah Kerubo, a Community Health Promoter from King’ong’o noted the importance of the outreach since a wider variety of medical services are brought closer to the community members who may not be able to travel and seek services at the higher level due to transport constraints.
Kerubo said many people who suffer from such disease opt just to stay at home due to financial challalleges adding that she looks forward to more similar exercises.
“We are keen to bring medical services closer to the community by continually engaging in such exercises in different areas frequently’’ said Kerubo.
John Mwangi who suffers from diabetes and hypertension said he was happy that he was checked and given the medication.
Another one Loise Wambui who has an eye problem said she was happy after the service came near home because at times she fails to go to hospital due to long distance.
Present during the exercise was an Officer at Amref- Billian Sawinja among other health officials.
By Beth Ndirangu
