Kenya
KENYA: The Chesirimion Dispensary Upgrade Project in Tiaty East, Baringo in partnership with So They Can
The Chesirimion Dispensary Upgrade Project, in partnership with So they Can is a 4-year initiative to improve living conditions of the most vulnerable in the Tiaty West region of Baringo County. In collaboration with ‘So They Can’, The Khan Foundation significantly enhances quality healthcare provision, through the construction of additional infrastructure that expands service delivery at the dispensary. The facility, which is located in the under-resourced rural area of Tiaty West, Baringo in Kenya, provides critical primary healthcare to marginalised pastoralist communities. It operates within the regional healthcare network’s referral system to service 9,000 residents within the local catchment area.
This project expands on the existing services (diagnosis and out-patient treatment; emergency deliveries; immunisation; provision of nutrition packs and antenatal care) to enable service delivery improvements, that include construction and operationalisation through:
- a 10-bed maternity ward which will enable safe assisted live births annually.
- a pharmacy with a 4-week inventory for treatment.
- a laboratory to support diagnosis and inform treatment.
- a borehole for a reliable, clean water source to service the facility.
- laundry and kitchen, to service in-patients at the maternity ward.
- a perimeter wall/fence to enclose the facility.
- recruitment of 8 trained healthcare professionals and 8 support staff, to ensure safe, quality service provision.
The reduction in mortality and morbidity rates within the surrounding communities:
- 20,000 community members are treated annually, a 186% increase on current patient numbers
- Outreach activities complement the services provided
County Context: Healthcare in Tiaty East, Baringo
Chesirimion Dispensary is located in the Tiaty East sub county (formerly known as the East Pokot District) of Baringo County, with a catchment area of 9,000 people. The sub-county is in the north of Baringo and covers an area of approximately 2,039 km² in the East African Rift Valley and has a population of 153,353. The average family size is 4.7, which is higher than the national average of 3.9, and 94% of the population reside in villages and small towns of 1,000 to 5,000 residents. Baringo is one of only 9 counties in Kenya, out of 47, that has an arid climate, all of which have been severely impacted by recent climate changes. Up until March this year, there were 5 consecutive failed rainy seasons and extensive drought, which impacted livelihoods of the region’s pastoralist communities.
The County Government of Baringo’s most recent statistics on poverty measures in the region include:
- The overall poverty rate is 39.6% with 8.5% living in extreme poverty, compared to the national rates of 36.1% and 8.6%, respectively.
- Multidimensional poverty (regarded as deprivation in multiple dimensions including nutrition, healthcare, education, housing and sanitation) is 60.3%, compared to the national average of 53%. It affects 56.6% of children, 56.7% youth, and 67.4% women, who bear the highest burden of poverty in Baringo.
- Among children, at least 4 in every 10 are affected by monetary poverty or a lack of financial means, which also affects 30.6% youth, and 39.6% women.
- The maternal mortality rate is 488 deaths per 100,000 births, higher than the national rate of 374.
KENYA: Days for Girls Project
The Days for Girls project is dedicated to providing reusable sanitary kits to girls in Homa Bay County, Kenya. This initiative aims to tackle the high rates of teenage pregnancies and HIV/AIDS by offering sustainable menstrual hygiene solutions.
Challenges
In Homa Bay, many girls lack access to sanitary products, making them vulnerable to exploitation. Economic hardships force some to exchange sexual favours for money to buy sanitary towels, increasing their risk of HIV/AIDS and early pregnancies.
Solution
Our project will distribute 300 reusable sanitary kits, each lasting up to three years, to girls aged 10 to 19. These kits will help protect them from exploitation and reduce their dependence on money for menstrual products.
Impact on Health and Education
- Health: By providing reusable sanitary kits, the project reduces the risk of HIV/AIDS and other health issues linked to unsafe menstrual practices. Proper menstrual hygiene management promotes overall well-being and prevents infections.
- Education: Access to reliable menstrual products means fewer school absences, allowing girls to focus on their education. Comprehensive health education provided with the kits ensures girls understand their bodies, hygiene practices, and health safety, contributing to their long-term educational success.
This project will significantly improve menstrual hygiene, reduce health risks, and enhance educational opportunities for young girls in Homa Bay. Join us in creating lasting change and empowering girls to thrive.
