The lack of basic medical care is a major issue in Kenya. Some of the biggest challenges include HIV, malnutrition, malaria, and FGM – to name just a few. Although the government technically offers programs (certain free vaccinations, free medicine, etc.) these rarely reach the often impoverished rural population. At both of our project sites in Kenya we are therefore also actively engaged in providing medical support.
At the boarding school of MAA Eroret School facilities are available for this purpose, used once a month by Kenyan healthcare staff. The services are offered both to the students and to people from the surrounding community.
In Awasi a medical camp is also held monthly to provide children and the local population with reliable access to basic medical care. In addition, specialists such as dentist, ophthalmologist and gynecologist visit the site quarterly.
Apart from that we support the education of so-called ‘rainworkers’at both sites. They inform and educate communities on birth control and prevention of sexually transmitted diseases. A special focus is on raising awareness about the consequences of femal genital mutilation (FGM). It is illegal but still widespread.
Another important contribution to health care is thebuilding of wells at MAA Eroret School and in Awasi. They improve access to clean drinking water, help reduce water-related illnesses, and also enable a more balanced diet, for example, through the cultivation of fresh vegetables.
“Regular check-ups are vital for sustainable health. Every day we see how early examinations can detect illnesses before they become life-threatening – and in doing so, save lives.”
Christine – Director of the Mary Hill Community Based Organisation
The following UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are being advanced through this project:
The Eroret School is headed by John Kintalel. Together with his wife Esther and a strong team, he manages the school, an agricultural project, a reforestation project, and the water project.
In Awasi the local NGO Mary Hill Community Based Organisation is responsible for implementing the project. Since the beginning in 2017 Austrian Doctors has partnered with Mary Hill Community Based Organisation to jointly establish the nursery school, the community center as well as the water and reforestation projects.
