Health Program Update - Half Year Report

The Maasai Wilderness Conservation Trust Health Program shares and reports on their successes thus far, halfway through 2014. Thus far, the Health Team has successful conducted 16 outreaches to different remote areas within Kuku Group Ranch. A total of 670 patients were attended to during these outreaches; this includes 224 children who received their vaccinations against different childhood illnesses. These children would have otherwise missed the vaccinations at the appropriate age when they need them most.

MCWT Dr. Warai on one of his many health outreaches

In the months of March and June, MWCT partnered with the Ministry of Health in two supplemental immunization campaigns towards prevention of neonatal tetanus and eradication of polio. This partnership was very successful resulting in achievement of over 100% coverage of set targets, and 4945 persons immunized by MWCT health personnel.

Starting in May of this year, MWCT Health Team has introduced mobile laboratory outreaches. The MWCT employed laboratory technologist travels on a regular basis to provide laboratory diagnostic services to the patients attending this facility. A total of 85 tests have been conducted during these outreaches!

Mobile laboratory

The distribution of sanitary pads to teenage girls within the Kuku Group Ranch Schools has been very successful thus far in 2014. A total of 1379 school girls have received a reusable sanitary pad package, which with proper use, is designed to last for one year. This allows the girls to safely and comfortable attend classes, which consequently, the academic performance and self-esteem of these girls has improved consistently. The presentation of the sanitary pads is preceded with a discussion on female reproductive health.

Enkusero school girls receiving their sanitary pads

The Health Program has actively been working with community health volunteers (CHVs) in various projects during the year thus far. A total of 90 community health volunteers attached to four different health centres have participated in MWCT organized outreaches. Starting in April this year, MWCT launched the CHV Health Education Program (CHEP). This is a community health volunteer led initiative that aims at educating the patients attending a clinic on important health topics such as sanitation, child nutrition, women health and benefits of family planning. The education sessions are conducted in the local Maa language. Since the inception of the program, 12 weekly education sessions have been conducted.

CHV Education Program in Olorika

During the first half of 2014, the MWCT ambulance was involved in 9 incidents of emergency patient transfers to Loitokitok District Hospital, over 50 kilometers away, for specialist medical care. Furthermore, the vehicle has facilitated 22 health outreaches to various community areas and schools within the Group Ranch.

"Anna" the ambulance on one of her many outreaches 

The MWCT Health Team will continue to extend its' tremendous efforts across the Group Ranch for the remainder of 2014 and onwards; ensuring the residents of Kuku Group Ranch are continuing to receive adequate and accessible health services.