Physical Health Kenya Project #17835

Help Children Access Skin Treatment!

by Africa Psoriasis Organization

Project Report | Jul 1, 2015
On going free medical camps.

By Ben Pat | Medical Volunteer

Hi, my name is Ben and I want to tell you a story. I am in Kenya as a medical volunteer, with a bunch of extremely vibrant, enthusiastic and caring people. When you come to Kenya you are confronted with many challenges. One of those challenges is the process of deciding where or what to put your time, energy and money into.

The fantastic crew over here at the moment (Jemma, Cara, Josh, Lucy, Rachael, Will, Nicole, Karen and myself) contribute to many different placements throughout the week, but there is one thing we are unified in and that is Medical Camps.

In conjunction with the Africa Psoriasis Organization we decide on a slum community that needs our help. Word travels to the community and they gather their troops. We gather our funds, resources, medical supplies and hire professional health care workers. It is time to make a difference!

So some of you may be asking yourself, gee that sounds great, but what is a medical camp? Good question. The medical camps are aimed at treating skin diseases in children and providing vitamins and minerals. One of the greatest challenges facing the slum communities in Nairobi Kenya is skin diseases. As many Kenyan’s in slums live on day to day necessities, coupled with the fact that there are very few dermatologists, they simply cannot afford skin treatments and medications. This allows the skin diseases to cause immense pain and stigmatization. This creates an enormous problem because if left untreated, the victim can become debilitated and hopeless. It is not uncommon to see children who have dropped out of school due to lack of treatment and stigmatization.

We diagnose the skin diseases, offer appropriate treatment, medicines and referrals of the most complicated ones like psoriasis. Many children also have intestinal worms which affects their cognitive ability and general health. We provide them with a de-worming tablet and a follow up tablet upon our revisit. We treat the skin diseases such as scabies with a broad-spectrum anti-fungal cream and administer everyone with multi vitamins to help boost their immune system in this time of treatment. In exchange for a smile, candy and cordial are also given out.

We have so far completed 2 medical camps and plans to do 2 more by July 15th, with 1 revisit each. On average, we treat approx 300 people each camp.

The camps have really opened our eyes to some of the incredibly harsh issues facing slum children in Nairobi. Although extremely heartbreaking, the camps are also rewarding as the communities are very thankful for our help and we feel we are really making a difference.

A big thank you to all that have donated funding through GlobalGiving towards the medical camps. Without you, this would not be possible. With your continued help, we are sure the remaining 2 medical camps will be successful. So, please consider making a donation today!

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Jun 5, 2015
Sharon and her psoriasis.

By Caroline Kimani | Chief Executive Officer

Sharon, 16 year old PAP member

The anxieties, the awkwardness, the heartache - all are hallmarks of adolescence. Adolescence is difficult enough for most kids, but one teenager has entirely different challenge to face - her psoriasis.

Sharon, now 14, developed psoriasis at the age of 9. At first, she found it hard to go out, to do things she enjoyed and to wear normal clothes. It even affected her passion of playing with other kids in the neighborhood, because she was embarrassed of how her face and scalp was affected. Not knowing much about the disease, she and her mother hoped that the creams and lotions from a local chemist would work.

Attending Africa Psoriasis Organization free medical camp last January, helped turn things around for Sharon. She first learned that she was suffering from an incurable disease called psoriasis and that the disease is not contagious and can be managed with correct use of medications. Through the APSO's, Patient's Assistance Program PAP, Sharon has found a supportive community of people with psoriasis - people who have been through what she has experienced and continues to experience. More importantly, she has now gained knowledge about how to take action with her disease.

Because Sharon is younger than most of the PAP members, she often finds that they take a nurturing role. Sharon in turn has been supportive of other kids in her community offering advice and uplifting words whenever she can. PAP has offered Sharon and her mother, Alice, additional support and information. PAP is where Sharon's mother first heard about the long-term side effects of a treatment Sharon had been taking for her psoriasis. And for Alice, PAP has been an "eye opener," showing her just how much psoriasis plays an important role in the lives of so many.

People may stare. But Sharon remains an outgoing, vibrant teen who knows how to take care of her disease and educate others about it. She is a dedicated PAP member who gives her time, knowledge and encouragement to so many others.

Without you, we could not offer free medical camp and essential tools to Sharon and others with difficult skin diseases. Our PAP services are possible only through your generous donations. With your help, children suffering from difficult skin diseases can access free treatment while their loved ones, can find vital information and a supportive community.

Please make a donation today because, together, we can make a difference in the lives of thousands - Kids, teens and adults. Thank you from Sharon and her family.

"You guys are amazing and you have changed this little girl's life forever".
(Recent statement from Sharon's mother to Africa Psoriasis Organization staff)

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Mar 19, 2015
Next Health Camp

By Caroline | Project Leader

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