Saving lives in Kenya, Africa

Hey!

 

My name is Hannah, and it is my life goal to go to a developing country and volunteer in a hospital where I can bring new skills and assist with my knowledge of Nursing and Midwifery. In August, I will be travelling to Kisumu, a small community in Kenya, with a company called World Youth International.

I will be working in their Maternity unit, assisting Mothers to birth, and providing life-saving care and medications. I will be providing healthcare to communities living in extreme poverty who would not be able to access it otherwise. I will also be walking to outlying comminuty Medical camps and homes to provide malaria medication, immunisations, wound care, and general health care.

The Medical camps see 200-500 patients in one day, and these families may have walked for days or weeks to receive this care.

 

Something very close to my heart is education. I will educate local communities and healthcare providers about sustainable public health practices, including hygiene, sanitation and nursing care.

 

The state of health in Kenya requires significant improvement. The healthcare system struggles to provide crucial services, particularly for communities living outside of major cities.

 

Many illnesses in Kenya are transmitted by insects, animals and from the use of contaminated water. Infectious respiratory diseases and malaria account for most illnesses and deaths in the country, while tuberculosis, dysentery, and parasitic and venereal diseases are common occurrences. HIV/AIDs continues to devastate families and communities across the country, with 3 in 5 people living with the virus in some locations. Maternal and infant health are also a concern, with many women still giving birth at home in unsafe conditions.

 

Kenya faces many development challenges, particularly in rural areas.

 

Gender inequality is a major issue in Kenya, with women and girls often being considered second-class citizens and experiencing discrimination in access to education and employment. Kenya has high rates of domestic and gender-based violence.

Help me to help the beautiful community of Kisumu and surrounds