By Betty Luke
Hundreds of Isiolo residents have benefited from a free medical camp organized by Pepo la Tumaini Jangwani program.
The Bula-based health facility has been in the forefront in offering medical services to the vulnerable in the community who are not able to afford the services due to poverty.
The camp that took place at Mariri market centre on Thursday offered free checkup and medication for waterborne, Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs), HIV/AIDS and respiratory diseases that are rampant in the area.
Pepo la Tumaini Jangwani’s Founder Ms Hadija Omar Rama said they resolved to conduct the exercise in Isiolo town to reach out to poor residents and street families who sleep in the cold and are at a higher risk of contracting diseases due to the poor living conditions.
A mother and her daughter being checked during the free medical camp by Pepo la Tumaini Jangwani. PHOTO/PRESS POINT
She said majority of residents were suffering in silence as had no reguar source of income to enable them afford quality health care forcing them to rely on painkillers.
“We saw the need to reach out to those in the streets and unable to afford treatment for various illnesses due to poverty,” said Ms Rama.
The team of medics surpassed the 350 target as had after three hours attended to more than 600 patients who upon diagnosis were issued with drugs.
Mr Anthony Chombo, a beneficiary, lauded the program and accused the county government of neglecting those living in the streets who he said were adversely affected by Covid-19 and poverty.
“Some of us have been living with illnesses but are not aware. We will now (after the diagnosis) be able to take proper medication for healthy living,” he said.
Isiolo residents queue during the free medical camp by Pepo la Tumaini Jangwani. PHOTO/PRESS POINT
He urged the government to follow suit and ensure they access quality health services at ease and shun sidelining them.
“Relief food is distributed in this town but we have never benefited,” he lamented.
Ms Rama said plans were underway to be conducting the medical camps regularly due to the increasing demand from the public.
The program was done in partnership with the Women Rising Initiative, Waso Hope CBO and Mama Jangwani Afya Manyumbani and Afya Mtaani groups among others.
