Our Stories

Pauline, is the Public Health Nurse In-Charge of the sub-county where some of our Nakuru partner schools are located. She knows all too well the challenges that community members face to access healthcare.

For many families, the distance, inaccessibility due to the cost of transport and poor road infrastructure during the rainy season, the lack of awareness on the importance of medical care, and a fear of treatment prevent parents — and their children — from seeking healthcare.

‘The importance of So They Can’s medical camps cannot be underestimated. During today’s camp, we have seen a high number of undiagnosed health conditions – which if left untreated can be life threatening. Cases of community members who have severe hypertension and diabetes, but who are not receiving any treatment, were concerning.’

The 1-day camp was held at Akuisi Primary School in Kenya, which joined our Education Program in 2023. Over 500 children are enrolled at the school, from pre-primary to Junior Secondary School Form 2.

411 community members attended the camp to access medical care; 25% were under 5 years old.

Esther, whose daughter is in Grade 6, was one of the mothers who attended. As a small business owner, she earns roughly KSH 12,000 a month (approximately AUD $130). There is a medical facility about 7 kilometres from her home, but it only provides basic services, so she has to travel to the hospital in Nakuru, which is approximately 25 kilometres from her home.

With little extra income to seek medical treatment, and after a period of feeling unwell, she was keen to attend the camp. Esther was one of 37 women who were screened for cervical cancer.

‘I heard about the camp from the So They Can Champions, they share important information with everyone in our school community. Today, I learnt about cervical cancer, and how I can properly check myself for possible signs. It was very informative.’

Naomi, a Grade 8 student at Akuisi Primary School, also sought care for cervical cancer by receiving the preventative HPV vaccine. Like 13-year old Naomi, 10 girls received the vaccine during the camp.

‘I learnt from the healthcare professionals that the HPV vaccine helps to prevent cervical cancer, so I came today for that. It’s important to live a healthy life, because when you are healthy, you can live a happy life.’

With the ongoing need for quality medical support in remote communities, this is the first of 5 medical camps that So They Can will facilitate in Kenya in 2024 — working to reach 2,000 vulnerable community members.

The Eurofins Foundation is an ongoing supporter of So They Can’s Community Health project in Kenya. Together, with your support makes this vital work possible — please donate today.