• The medical camp is designed to target underserved women who often face significant barriers to accessing healthcare.
• In addition to providing healthcare, the project plans to introduce mentorship programmes and set up a centre to produce reusable sanitary products.
Image: HANDOUT
The Rotary Club of Lavington and Decker Med Africa are currently offering free specialised medical checkups to more than 1,000 women at Mbagathi Hospital.
The four-day initiative began on Thursday, September 26.
The two organisations are offering free vital screenings and consultations that are focused on women’s health issues, including cervical and breast cancer screening, general health consultations, counselling, and eye care.
The medical camp is designed to target underserved women who often face significant barriers to accessing healthcare.
The President of the Rotary Club of Lavington Wambui Karanja has highlighted the importance of the partnership with Decker Med Africa Trust in providing crucial services to underserved women.
“The response has been incredible. Many women who would typically not have access to such services came forward, underscoring the need for these health screenings in the community,” Wambui said.
The Rotary Club of Lavington said the medical camp is part of a broader initiative of the "Dignity Project," which aims to improve the health and well-being of women in Kibera.
In addition to providing healthcare, they said the project plans to introduce mentorship programmes and set up a centre to produce reusable sanitary products, addressing long-term health challenges faced by women in the community.
Project Director and President Nominee of the Rotary Club of Lavington, Njoki Kariuki, emphasized the lasting impact of the camp.
“Our goal goes beyond offering immediate medical care. We aim to raise awareness about women’s health, empower them with the knowledge to take control of their well-being, and provide them with the resources for prevention and treatment," Kariuki said.
Director of Development at Decker Med Africa Trust, Esther Baraga, said that the success of the medical camp was made possible by a range of partners that put a collaborative effort behind the camp.
"This would not have been possible without the partnership of Mbagathi County Hospital, Nairobi City County, and the Ministry of Health. EssilorLuxottica, which provided free prescription eyewear, addressing ophthalmic conditions such as cataracts, glaucoma, and conjunctivitis," Baraga said.
Baraga further urged for expanded support to ensure more women could benefit from similar initiatives.
"As we strive for universal health coverage, we encourage more counties to partner with us. We also appeal to stakeholders for financial or in-kind support to amplify our impact," Baraga said.
In addition to providing healthcare, the project plans to introduce mentorship programmes and set up a centre to produce reusable sanitary products to address the long-term health challenges faced by women in the community.
Other key partners are Mr and Miss World Kenya, who helped raise awareness for the camp. Kakuzi Limited and Lab and Allied donated essential medication, while organisations like SHOFCO, Milele FM, and Green Card Mtaani also played a vital role in mobilising the local community.
"In our pursuit of universal health coverage, we encourage other counties to engage in partnerships with us," Baraga said.