In fall of 2008, Jane Kimani did screening in Limuru in collaboration of different organizations which included University of Nairobi medical school students,KIOMM and Tigoni Community Health Center. With clinical staff at the site, we were able to screen and see patients with a range of different ailments. At this site, we had medications donated by the Ministry of Health in Kenya which including antibiotics, pain medications, anti-diarrhea and flu medications. The villagers were glad that they were able to access medical care in their backyards without paying.
At this site, we were able to see a lot of internal displaced people (IDPs) after the Rift valley clashes which left them not only homeless but emotionally and psychologically unstable.
The medical needs in the community are so diverse and it is imperative for the screening team to be prepared to meet such needs. Some of our volunteers were trained social workers from Tigoni Community Health Center and they were able to help some of the IDPs who were suffering from the aftermath of the war. In kenya, mental health services are so poor and most people rely more on churches for spiritual support.
Compared with our first screening in Thika, we saw fewer cases of chronic diseases (Diabetes and Hypertension) in Limuru. In comparing data, we will be able to focus on the areas that are most in need. Uhai will also collect data for research, we want to know why some areas have high incidents rate than others.