Reduce Suffering in Kenya Via Health Care Services

*Not their real names

Kamini*, a vibrant mother of five from Posta, balances her life between caring for her children and supporting her husband, Ekai*, a hardworking matatu (taxi)driver. With three of her children—Dennis, Elijah, and Mariana—attending school, her hands are full at home with her two youngest, Margret and 3 ½-year-old Ruth.

Two years ago, Kaminimade a life-changing decision. Through CHAT’s mobile clinic, she chose and received a five-year contraceptive implant. Both she and her husband agreed they didn’t want any more children, and she’s been overjoyed with the result. “I haven’t gotten pregnant, which means I can focus on raising my young ones,” she says with a smile. “And when this one’s done, I’m definitely getting another.”

Her decision sparked curiosity among her friends, who, upon seeing how smoothly the implant worked for her, eagerly sought it out at nearby health facilities.

What touched Kamini most was the kindness of the nurses. The warmth and care they showed her during the procedure left a lasting impression, so much so that when she recently spotted the familiar yellow mobile clinic in her area, she went out of her way to greet the team. “I just wanted to thank them,” she explained. “They’re doing such important work, and I want them to keep going no matter the challenges.”

She knows just how vital the yellow car is to her community. “Without it, most women here wouldn’t go to the hospital for family planning or medical advice,” she added, hugging the nurses before she left. With a promise to help mobilise whenever the yellow car returns,ensuring other women in her area continue to benefit from CHAT’s services.

Through the generous support of GG, CHAT successfully disseminated behaviour change information (BCC) to 6,381 individuals over the last three months. Additionally, 1,342 family planning clients were provided with various contraception methodsof their choice, with 973 opting for long-term pregnancy protection methods lasting either 3 or 5 years, effectively reducing the risk of unwanted pregnancies.

"Family planning is one of the most effective ways to reduce poverty and achieve sustainable development. It allows families to plan their futures and escape the cycle of poverty." Julio Frenk.

The unexpected deluge of rain significantly disrupted daily life during April and May 2024 for most communities CHAT reached. Many individuals found themselves unprepared and greatly impacted by the unrelenting downpour. The effects were far-reaching, affecting not only urban areas but also rural regions, encompassing arid savannahs and lush wetlands.

In numerous locales where CHAT reaches with FP, communities faced unprecedented challenges. Within Nairobi—The Slum Ecosystem, the communities in Dagoreti, Kangemi, and Waithaka served by CORP Lucy experienced displacement as rainwater failed to drain, inundating their tin and old wooden dwellings. Similarly, in Nanyuki's ‘Likii ‘ slum, heavy rainfall on Mt. Kenya caused the Likii River to swell, destroying homes and losing farm animals along the river.

In Homabay County—The Lake Basin Ecosystem, the swelling of Lake Victoria in Western Kenya led to property loss for those residing near the lake. It disrupted the livelihoods of individuals who depend on the lake for their income. CHAT’s grassroot partner, Community Own Resource Person (CORP) Emily supported the members by helping them move their belongings from the lakeside as they sought shelter. She also helped refer for services for those who needed medical attention and FP services.

Along the Tana River in Tharaka and Mwingi – The Tana Ecosystem, residents saw their crops washed away by the powerful current, resulting in food and income loss. Furthermore, their homes were swept away, and some individuals were carried off by the river while attempting to salvage their belongings.

In the Northern Rangelands Ecosystem, dams overflowed and breached their banks, washing away manyattas, livestock, people, vehicles, and roads. Tragically, landslides along the dam banks claimed several lives. CHAT’s partner CORPs helped ensure that everybody in the area was accounted for as they went door to door providing ‘ backpack’ services partnering with Ministry of Health (MoH) nurses.

The flooding also disrupted CHAT’s motor mobile activities. The roads were damaged and proved dangerous for vehicles to pass. The communities that relied on CHAT’s motor mobile clinic for health care suffered majorly due to the inaccessibility. The poor infrastructure, as affected by the rain, led to a significant food shortage as individuals reliant on market days could not access food.

The heavy rains have had devastating effects, causing widespread impacts on people nationwide. However, in the face of these challenges, all 64 of CHAT’s CORP partners have shown remarkable resilience in their dedication to reaching out to affected individuals and supporting communities as they strive to recover. Working hand in hand with MoH nurses, CORPs have been tirelessly conducting door-to-door visits to deliver essential FP services to the communities in need as they come up with measures to ensure next rain, they will be ready.

Through the generous support of GG, CHAT successfully disseminated behaviour change information (BCC) to 6,381 individuals over the last three months. Additionally, 1,342 family planning clients were provided with various contraception methods of their choice, with 973 opting for long-term pregnancy protection methods lasting either 3 or 5 years, effectively reducing the risk of unwanted pregnancies.

"Ensuring universal access to voluntary family planning is a critical intervention for reducing poverty, and it should be central to efforts to achieve sustainable development." Babatunde Osotimehin, Former E.D, UNFPA