HOPE in Kenya 2015: Community Outreach in Voi

The lions roaring woke many of us throughout the night. Early this morning we had the privilege of watching lions feast on a newly killed buffalo. In the distance the luckier buffalo continued their migration, and a family of elephants passed through. After enjoying the animals and having breakfast, we traveled to St. Joseph's Hope Shelter in Voi where a room full of patients were eagerly awaiting our arrival. From there, the team split into two groups. One team was to stay at St. Joseph's for a medical camp that had been arranged there, and the other half traveled approximately 1/2 hour to a rural community outreach clinic that is supported by St. Josephs. This community outreach program serves the rural outskirts of Voi with HIV/AIDS services on Tuesdays and Thursdays only. On this off day, news traveled fast that a medical camp was being held. Those of us at the rural outreach were so lucky to have local community service members available to help triage the patients and translate the Swahili language for us. Our medical camp brought out many members of the community who are not normally seen or treated, therefore, all these patients had rapid HIV testing done prior to being evaluated by us-as HIV remains a community epidemic. We treated a wide array of conditions from simple to complex-we treated a lot of respiratory issues, joint pain, rashes/fungal infections, abdominal pain related to malnutrition and worms, a few STD checks, and malaria cases. Different from the medical camps in the Kibera slums, we had a few more options for resources; we were able to refer patients for further work-up and treatment at the main hospital. We treated approximately 70 patients in the rural outreach program, and then traveled into the community to do two home visits. We first visited an elderly lady with a history of HIV and recent Tuberculosis infection. She had spent her working years as a farmer, and now is unable to support herself because of her chronic illnesses and debilitating pain. Sadly, because of the stigma associated with communicable diseases, her children have left her. We were able to provide her with medication for temporary pain relief; she was so genuinely grateful that we took the time to visit and treat her. The appreciation of the people here is amazing. In Africa, there is no social security, and the elderly are dependent upon their families for financial support and care. This woman is checked on occasionally by the community workers, but otherwise is left to fend for herself. She is emaciated, and often unable to afford food.To us, this was a heartbreaking situation and evoked a lot of emotion and discussion; we all felt compelled to do something to provide relief. We have collected money to provide her with food that stores well, and lasts longer: beans, maize and rice. Meanwhile, the other team was busy treating a variety of illnesses. At the end of the day, they had treated around 200 patients. Again, there were many differences noted from our first medical camps in the slums. The patients today were able to provide hand-written records of their previous medical care, and had access to previous x-rays. The team had a lot of help from hospital officers (health providers who are employed by the hospital). The team was excited because they were able to use the ultrasound machine the we brought, and were able to do a few minor procedures. This was a nice setting to practice in because it was a fully functioning hospital (not quite like in the States, but REALLY nice by Kenyan standards). There was also a fully functioning operating suite, that we, unfortunately, did not get to play in. Many children were evaluated and treated for respiratory issues and allergies. Hypertension is a big problem, much like in the U.S. The teams met back at the hotel, enjoyed a hot dinner and exchanged patient stories from the day. Tomorrow, we will wake early in hopes to see the lions again (hopefully closer this time) and then spend much of the day traveling. Tune in tomorrow to see where we end up...

Megan and Tracy