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This summer, we had a life-changing experience as interns with International Medical Aid (IMA) at Coastal General Teaching and Referral Hospital in Mombasa, Kenya. We were able to shadow in multiple departments and render aid under respective scopes of practice in the US; EMT-B, CNA, etc. What we witnessed in the hospital was both eye-opening and heartbreaking.
Despite the dedication of the healthcare staff, the hospital is critically under-resourced and in desperate need of support. This public hospital serves a population of 1.2 million people and is recognized as the second largest teaching hospital in Kenya.
In the ED, there was no Automated External Defibrillator (AED)—a basic, life-saving device for patients in cardiac arrest. Additionally, the department only had 1 adult Bag-Valve Mask (BVM) used for providing breaths to patients not breathing. This BVM was reused in between patients, without sanitization. The department was also lacking other essential tools like ultrasound, vitals equipment, life-saving medications and equipment, and many more. Many providers were working without gloves, and the overall cleanliness of the facility raised serious infection control concerns. This was consistent of what we saw in other departments as well, with children in the pediatrics department lying on bare mattresses or soiled linens, men and women unable to go for MRIs due to lack of contrast equipment, needle re-use, and overall poor conditions.
But beyond the lack of equipment, we saw a deep need for ongoing education and training for the providers. Many had not received adequate instruction in emergency protocols or up-to-date clinical practices.
This fundraiser will support both material aid and education initiatives for the hospital, including:
- A much-needed AED (Automated External Defibrillator)
- Vital emergency equipment (BP cuffs, stethoscopes, oxygen delivery tools, pulse oximeters)
- Infection control supplies (gloves, disinfectants, sharps containers)
- Clean bedding and sanitation materials
- Otoscope
- Educational materials and training workshops for doctors, nurses, and students—focusing on emergency care, CPR, trauma response, and infection control
All funds will go directly toward purchasing supplies and supporting education efforts, in close collaboration with IMA’s local leadership in Kenya.
Every donation helps. Please consider supporting and sharing this campaign. Together, we can help build a safer, stronger hospital for the people of Mombasa.
Thank you for your kindness and support.
Sincerely,
Lucy Fremont-Smith, Jonah Berman, Paige Sowitch, Dahlia Saifee, and other IMA interns