We Have Moved!

WE HAVE MOVED OUR BLOG! 

We would like to thank all of our followers for their continued interest in hearing about our 

Conservation, Health and Education Programs! We don't want to lose you, so please check back regularly on our website for the latest updates! 

By following the below link it will take you to our new location!

http://www.maasaiwilderness.org/category/blog/

Asante sana! 

Health Program Update: Community Health Workers Forum

Last month, the Maasai Wilderness Conservation department hosted the inaugural Kuku Health Workers Forum at the Chyulu Hills Conservation and Research Centre (CCRC). This forum sought to bring together all clinical staff working in the five health facilities within Kuku Group Ranch. 

Dr. Gabriel speaks on behalf of MWCT

The need for such a meeting arose from the recent transfers of the new health staff to three new health facilities. The forum also acted as a platform for presentations and comparisons in performance of health delivery indices such as immunization coverage, hospital deliveries, and uptake in family planning methods. 

All those in attendance at the Health Workers Forum

During the forum, health staff and invited guests learnt about the organizational structure, mission, goals, and health priorities of the Maasai Wilderness Conservation Trust. Partner non-governmental organizations working in Kuku Group Ranch, named Dorcas Aid International and Malteser International also had the opportunity to present their activities. The Ministry of Health Kajaido County Office was represented by Mr. Orundu (Sub-County Disease Surveillance Officer). 

A representatives from Dorcas Aid Internationals speaks about their programs and activities in the area

A continuing medical education session was conducted  by Dr. Edward Omete (a medical officer working in Loitokitok). Health workers learnt about the differentiation of the various causes of early pregnancy and new approaches to treatment. 

Together with the collaboration and understanding of local partners, MWCT continually strives to bring adequate and accessible health care to the community of Kuku Group Ranch!

Health Program Update: New Equipment and Education Enhancement

The Maasai Wilderness Conservation Trust Health Team has had a busy and successful 2015 thus far!

Health outreaches to remote areas of Kuku Group Ranch are of key importance to ensure continued adequate and accessible health services to community members. Since January, a total of three outreaches have been conducted, two in-facility outreaches to Langata Dispensary, and one to the commnity of Moilo. A total of 80 patients were tended to in these outreaches, and a total of 35 mobile laboratory tests were completed.

MWCT is proud to announce, that with support from the Ian-Hicks Foundation, the installation of a semi-automatic biochemistry analyzer in Iltilal Health Centre has been completed. This new machine will enable the clinicians at the facility to conduct a wide range of kidney and liver function tests. This is a massive milestone in MWCT's goal of providing access to quality health care to the local community. This machine will be crucial in the follow-up of patients on chronic medication as those on treatment for Tuberculosis (TB) and HIV/AIDS.

MWCT Lab Technician, Felix, with the new biochemistry analyzer

Felix and Eric (MoH Nurse) very happy with the new technology!

MWCT Health Team organized the first women health seminar at Kuku Village. Dr. Gabriel and the resident nursing officer educated 18 community women on breast and cervical cancer. Topics discussed during the seminar included: what is cancer, signs and symptoms, and preventative strategies!

Women in Kuku gather to learn about breast and cervical cancer

Introducing... the Volunteer Safari!

Would you like to effect positive change as you travel?  Why not volunteer on vacation?  The Maasai Wilderness Conservation Trust and Campi ya Kanzi are thrilled to introduce the new volunteer safari!  Guests are invited to volunteer with MWCT for three weeks while also enjoying a discounted stay at Campi ya Kanzi.  These guests will receive the same five-star treatment that Campi ya Kanzi is known for while also making a difference for the local Maasai community.

Are you ready to put your talents to use?  By traveling to the Chyulu Hills and the Maasai-owned Kuku Group Ranch, you can support the local economy while also helping to protect the wildlife and people who live here.  Make an impact in the areas of conservation, education, and health as you immerse yourself in the colorful Maasai culture and explore the unspoiled wilderness of the Amboseli-Tsavo ecosystem.  During your stay, you will live in a luxurious tented cottage, enjoy Italian cuisine at Tembo House, and split your time between safari and volunteer activities.  Spend the morning teaching a science lesson to local Maasai schoolchildren, then take a game drive and watch the sun set over Mount Kilimanjaro with a refreshing gin and tonic.  Vacation for a good cause and enjoy the trip of a lifetime as you promote positive change for the Maasai.  Read on to learn how you can help.

 

Maasai Wilderness Conservation Trust

  
The Maasai Wilderness Conservation Trust is a non-profit organization in southern Kenya that works to protect wilderness, wildlife, and culture across the Amboseli-Tsavo ecosystem through projects that directly benefit the local Maasai community.  MWCT has developed conservation, education, and health programs which demonstrate that the Maasai can thrive by managing their environment wisely.  MWCT employs nearly 250 Kenyans and serves a population of 17,000 Maasai.  To learn more about MWCT, visit www.maasaiwilderness.org.
   

How You Can Help 
      

Conservation

        •    Assist with wildlife counts
        •    Accompany MWCT rangers on their monitoring patrols
        •    Place camera traps in various locations and analyze their photo data of wildlife
        •    Teach lessons about the environment in local primary schools

Health

        •    Participate in health outreach events
        •    Assist the doctor at a local health clinic
                    o    Help with infant check-ups and immunizations
                    o    Record patient data in medical files
                    o    Assist with the dispensation of medicine at the pharmacy
        •    Give health talks in local primary schools
                    o    Possible topics include HIV/AIDS, puberty, and substance abuse

Education
        •    Teach guest lessons at a local school in the subject of your choice
        •    Assist the librarian at the Iltilal school library
        •    Help the teachers to prepare lessons, worksheets, and PowerPoint presentations

Other

We value the specific talents that you bring to MWCT.  Tell us about your skill set so we can put it to use in the best possible way.
        •    Are you an artist?  Paint a mural at a local school or health clinic.
        •    Are you a botanist?  Assist the conservation team with rangeland monitoring.
        •    Are you a photographer?  Take pictures for our website and social media platforms.
        •    Are you a blogger?  Write about your volunteer experiences on the MWCT blog.

Ready to sign up?  For more information, contact bookings@maasai.com.

Health Program Update - Kuku Sports Tournament

The third annual Kuku Sports Tournament was a great success!  Hosted in Iltilal, the tournament brought together 285 youth and coaches from Kuku Group Ranch, Nairobi, and Magadi.  This fun-filled, community-building event promotes exercise and sportsmanship while nurturing local athletic talent.  It also provides an excellent platform for health education and advocacy.  The theme of this year’s tournament was “Improving Reproductive Heath, Hygiene, and Sanitation.”  When not on the field, participants learned about the prevention of HIV/AIDS and the eradication of female genital mutilation (FGM).  The tournament was jointly sponsored by the Maasai Wilderness Conservation Trust, AMREF Health Africa, and Shokut Naretoi Community Project (a partner of Dorcas Aid International).

Twelve football (soccer) teams and six volleyball teams participated in the tournament, competing in a total of twenty-six football matches and fifteen volleyball matches.  In addition to the 285 participants, ten referees officiated and crowds of spectators gathered to watch.  The tournament began with a colorful opening ceremony and lasted for three days, with game play following a knock-out structure.

On the sidelines, a health station offered voluntary HIV testing and counseling services.  In the evenings, tournament participants attended health forums in their residential quarters.  One forum focused on female genital mutilation, while the other focused on responsible sexual behavior.

At the end of the tournament, organizers crowned first, second, and third place winners for both football and soccer.  All teams that placed received a trophy.  In the end, however, the ultimate winner is the community.  A Maasai elder hoisted a trophy on behalf of all to represent the importance of this group effort.  Physical activity, good sportsmanship, and health advocacy are essential to the well-being of all young people in Kuku Group Ranch.

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.

Health Program Update - April Efforts

We apologize, as it has been a while since we have updated on the MWCT Health Program! We can assure you that the team is still working incredibly hard to improve and increase the access to adequate health services across the Group Ranch!

For the month of April, the outreaches continued into the community of Kuku. Two outreaches were held, assisting a total of 82 patients over the two days!

CHV assisting in distributing medication at the Kuku Outreach

On April 27, Sam (an MWCT nurse stationed at the Iltilal Health Centre), organized a supplementary immunization outreach targeting all children less than five years that have not completed their immunization schedule as per the Kenya Expanded Program on Immunization (KEPI). A total of 46 children were immunized on this outreach!

Community Health Volunteers (CHV) have been busy at the Iltilal Health Centre. During the month of April they gathered at the facility to receive new household registers to be orientated on log booking and the procedures of recording household health data in the community.

Iltilal Community Health Volunteers

The Community Health Volunteers in Olorika attended their quarterly forum in April. MWCT organized this forum and lunch for the CHVs, a total of 20 attended the event. Dr. Gabriel addressed the CHVs present on MWCT's aims and goals in environment, conservation, and health promotion.

And finally, in line with the MWCT health goal of supporting the delivery of quality healthcare to the community; 50 doses of intravenous ceftriaxone (broad spectrum antibiotic) and 50 tubes of eye ointment for the treatment of conjunctivities were purchased for the Iltilal Health Centre.

The efforts of the MWCT Health Team are spreading farther and wider everyday! Visit www.maasaiwilderness.org for more information!

Health Program Update - March Efforts

As usual the Maasai Wilderness Conservation Trust Health Program team has been working hard. The month of March had them extending their efforts all across Kuku Group Ranch.

The routine health outreaches continued into the month of March, including an outreach to Kuku in which 85 patients were attended to. Further, a new outreach was initiated in the month of March - a mobile laboratory. The MWCT lab technician, whom is permanently stationed at Iltilal Health Center, travelled 25 kilometres away to the Langata Dispensary. Here he managed to do complete prenatal testing for 7 women, as well as a total of 5 tests from the outpatient clinic. The objective of this mobile outreach is to increase the diagnostic capacity of all the health facilities within Kuku, and also increase revenues in order to allow the laboratory to become self-sustained.

As a part of ensuring access and continuity of health services by residents of Kuku Group Ranch, Dr. Gabriel travelled to Langata dispensary and stayed there for 4 days.

The second round of the Tetanus Campaign continued in March. As you may remember, MWCT has partnered with the Ministry of Health to immunize all women of reproductive age. The Iltilal Health Centre Team managed to exceed the set target of 900 women, and immunized a total of 997 women at the end of the campaign!

Lining up for the Tetanus vaccination

Some exciting news about our Community Health Volunteers! The new group of 15 community health volunteers attached to the Iltilal Health Centre completed their 10-day training at the Marla on March 7! Certificates were awarded by the District Medical Office of Health.

New Community Health Workers

Health Program Update - Community Health Workers & Distribution of Sanitary Pads

As part of our Kuku Group Ranch-wide Community Health Worker project, we re-established the community health workers at Iltilal Health Centre. the first meeting with the community hospital committee was held on February 3, and the proposal to enrol the community health workers was passed.

The second meeting was held the following week and the names of the proposed candidates were presented for adoption. A total of 16 community health workers were selected; three of these from the Moilo/Olpusare area. All candidates presented themselves for interviews and briefing on the roles of community health workers. These newly selected CHW's are currently undergoing induction training conducted by the Ministry of Health and sponsored by MWCT.

Meeting with potential community health workers in Iltilal

In the month of February, we also started a rotational CHW forum at the four health facilities within Kuku Group Ranch. This forum brings the community health workers from a particular health centre together for a brief training and joint meal. The purpose of these forums is to foster unity among the CHW's and motivate them towards community health development! They also provide MWCT with a forum to articulate its' health goals for the local community.

The Health Program has a big task this month; thanks for Dr. Michael Brownstein's generous donation, we have been able to distribute reusable cloth sanitary pads to all schoolgirls on Kuku Group Ranch. The objective of the project is to ensure girls are not missing school during menstruation because they do not have the means to purchase sanitary pads. Each girl is given 4 cloth pads (lasting over 1 year), a bar of soap, and a plastic bag to store their pads!

Shokut School Girls

The primary schools in Iltilal, Moilo, Shokut, Marla, Inkisanjani, and Langata were visited this month. We teach them about menstruation, and show them how to use and clean their pads. They were also given to the teachers so that they can assist the children.  

Marlal school girl with cloth sanitary pads

Health Program Update - Outreaches, Dental Improvements & Project Osiligi

The Health Program has continually been extremely busy expanding its tremendous efforts across Kuku Group Ranch, especially during this past month of February!

On February 7, a Medical Outreach and Cervical Cancer Screening took place at Olorika. 26 patients attended the medical outreach for curative care, 7 received family planning, 13 children were immunized, 4 children were immunized, 4 women received antenatal care, and 56 children were dewormed! Further, 11 women attended the talk on women's cancer and family planning!

Sam and community health worker demonstrating self breast exams at Olorika Dispensary

On February 10, another Medical Outreach and Cervical Cancer Screening occurred at Kuku village. A total of 50 patients attended the outreach. Caroline, a Maasai nurse, facilitated a talk about women's cancer to an audience of 21 women. Also on this day, we donated a OneWorld Football to the children at Kuku Primary School!

Football donated to the children of Kuku Primary School

The start of 2014 commenced with a donation of a dental chair to the Iltilal Health Centre. The work to operationalize this chair started the first week of February with a visit by the District dentist Dr. Thuo, accompanied by the Loitokitok District Hospital Biomedical engineer Mr. Herman. They approved of the room where the chair would be stationed and gave a list of requirements including drainage, water supply, and electrical fittings that need to be installed. Currently, the water supply and drainage system work has been completed and we await the electrical components. We are very excited for this addition!

Gabriel with district dentist and biomedical engineer

The ongoing Project Osiligi, an income-generating project for the women of Kuku Group Ranch, has generated approximately $1350 in revenue for the women! The women from Kuku, Iltilal, Olorika, and Langata villages have collectively made 433 bracelets and 138 pairs of earrings for Campi ya Kanzi! This project is truly making a tremendous impact on these women! 

Beadwork artisans from Langata village

Health Program Update - Outreaches & Deliveries

The Maasai Wilderness Conservation Trust Health Program was very busy for the month of January!

Medical and Educational Outreaches continued across the Group Ranch. On January 13 an 27, Medical Outreaches took place at Kuku Primary School. 76 patients were seen and 24 immunizations were given, 7 family planning were distributed, and 14 women attended the antenatal clinic, and all of the children were dewormed at Kuku Primary School!

Students at Kuku School watch a video on proper nutrition

On January 17, a medical outreach took place in Oltiasika; where 15 patients were seen and deworming of children at the nearby school took place. An education session was also held for the community on the topic of family planning and cervical screening.

Oltiasika Health Workers and Gabriel teaching community about family planning and cervical cancer

Further, the health staff of Oltiasika Dispensary were happy to report that since the installation of the solar lights at the dispensary in September 2013, they have seen an increase in facility deliveries! What great news!

Oltiasika Dispensary with overhead lighting

Health Program Update - New Bicycles, Education Session, & Project Osiligi

Maasai Wilderness Conservation Trust distributed 3 more bicycles in November, to 3 community health workers in Olorika. The facility health workers chose these 3 workers as the most dedicated community health workers (CHW) in Olorika.

The CHW's were delighted to receive the bicycles, and asserted that the bicycle would help them in their visits to households and the health facility.

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The MWCT Health Team gather once a month for a meeting, lunch, and an educational session facilitated by one of the staff. For November, Sam and Wanyama gave a PowerPoint presentation on what they had learned from a 2-week training they attended on Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission of HIV in Nakuru, organized by the ministry of Health. 

Sam presenting an education session of PMTCT at CCRC

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As we mentioned in a previous update, the income-generating project partnered with Campi ya Kanzi  to provide guests with traditional Maasai jewlery, has been off to a good start. Thus far, 3 women groups around Kuku Group Ranch have made over 180 beaded bracelets and earrings. The women have named the initiative "Project Osiligi", which means Project Hope.

Colourful bracelets designed by the women

Health Program Update - Polio Campaign & Assisting the Disabled

We've got another Health Update from MWCT Health Director, Lena Koh! Following a successful trachoma campaign in October, the Ministry of Health issued a letter of thanks to MWCT for providing support in the form of health staff and transport.

Shortly after, the MOH launched a polio campaign from November 16-20th. The campaign involved going from house to house providing polio vaccine to children under 5 years of age. MWCT was integral in making the campaign a success.

Health Program Director Lena, giving a vaccination

In fact, in providing transport for the health staff to ensure the essential vaccine reaches children in the most remote areas of Kuku Group Ranch, Iltilal Health Center and Langata Dispensary are the only health facilities in the Loitokitok Region to surpass their target; Iltilal Health Center vaccinated 1401 children. Amazing!

Many children greatly benefitted from the outreaches of this campaign!

Further, a few months ago, during an outreach in Nchalai village with the health staff from Olorika, Dr. Waari treated Mosoni Nkalu, a physically and mentally disable child who was sick. It was noted that the child did not have any medical assistive device, such as a wheelchair.

Mosoni Nkalu at boma in Nchalai

An assessment by the physiotherapist in Loitokitok was required in order to obtain a wheelchair, however, the family could not afford to hire a car to take her there. MWCT brought the physiotherapist to Mosoni's boma so that an assessment could be completed and measurements taken.

Physiotherapist from Loitokitok hospital performing an assessment

We anticipate getting a wheelchair for Mosoni early next year!

Health Program Update - New Solar Lights and a New Bicycle

Solar lights have been installed at Olorika and Oltiasika dispensaries as a result of Lena's (MWCT Health Program Development Director) fundraising efforts and the Ian Hicks Foundation. We have made a short video capturing the thoughts of the health works on the installation of the lights. The community then slaughtered a goat to celebrate the exciting occasion.

You can find the video by clicking here.

Health workers at Olorika Dispensary with the new solar ights

Daniel at Olorika showing off the new lights!

Letter of appreciation from health workers at Olorika dispensary

We are also happy to announce that a new bicycle has been given to a community health worker from Langata. Shadrack walks for 8 kilometres to Langata dispensary every day to assist the other health workers. 

Shadrack very happy with his new bicycle!

Now, with his new bicycle, he is able to get to the hospital much faster. He repeatedly told the MWCT health staff that he will never be late again! We hope that it will further motivate Shadrack to continue to effectively assist the community through his efforts within our health program. 

Shadrack receiving his bicycle from Wanyama, MWCT's clinical officer in Lanagata

Health Program Update - Trachoma Campaign and Bead Project

Greetings from Kuku Group Ranch! Our Health Program continued its' busy efforts for the month of October. More specifically with a focus on the Trachoma Campaign.

Children que while distribution of Trachoma prevention drugs takes place

The Maasai Wilderness Conservation Trust was integral in making the Ministry of Health's Trachoma Campaign a success. Trachoma is an infectious eye disease that can cause blindness if it is not treated in its' early stages.

From October 28 - November 2, MWCT health staff organized outreaches with our ambulance to villages of Samai and Enkusero, Moilo, Singila, and Campi ya Kanzi/Chyulu Hills Conservation and Research Centre (CCRC) to ensure the communities received appropriate drugs to prevent trachoma. 

A very successful campaign!

As a result, we exceeded the target set by the Ministry of Health and provided trachoma drugs to 3300 people in the Iltilal catchment area. What a success!

Another exciting update for MWCT, is the initiation of a new Bead Project. This income generating project has been initiated in collaboration with Campi ya Kanzi to benefit local Maasai women.

Women involved in the beads project

 Every guest from Campi ya Kanzi will receive a beaded bracelet made by women from throughout Kuku Group Ranch.  This project will also aim to improve access to an uptake of reproductive health services, and reinforce public health messages during women group meetings

A bracelet made by a local Maasai woman