1. Introduction

Mathare is a conglomerate of slums in the eastern part of Nairobi central business district that is home to approximately 500,000 residents. Mathare Valley, the oldest of these slums, has a population of about 180,000 in an area of approximately 3 square kilometers. On Saturday, October 26, 2024, from 8 am to 7 pm, thé Rotary Club of Lavington Jioni, in collaboration with the Furaha Community Foundation, hosted a medical camp at Furaha Primary School in Mathare. This initiative was part of our celebration of Rotary’s monthly theme of Community Economic Development. As part of our signature projects this year, we were privileged to serve 1,123 patients in Mathare.

We partnered with several organizations to ensure the success of the camp:

1. Ruai Family Hospital (RFH) Healthcare On Kangundo Road in Ruai, Nairobi served  as the anchor hospital. They provided prostate cancer screening, an ambulance on standby and an amazing medical team.
2. Nairobi City County: Supplied one doctor, four county health officers, and HPV vaccines.
3. Jumuia Hospital: Provided a medical team and conducted cervical screenings.
4. Mama Lucy Kibaki Hospital: Organized a blood drive.
5. Uhai Neema Hospital & World Friends: Provided medical staff and counselors.
6. AAR Health Care: Supplied additional medical personnel.
7. Educare International: Donated 1,000 bottles of drinking water.
8. Coca-Cola: Contributed 1,200 bottles of drinking water and 1,200 bottles of juice.
9. Ansell Pharmaceuticals, Sai Pharmaceuticals, Sanovent Pharma, Range Chem Pharmacy, Surgilinks Ltd, Dava Pharmaceuticals, Dawa Ltd and Equity Afya: Provided a wide range of Pharmaceutical commodities.

This collaborative effort was vital to reaching over 1,100 patients, each partner playing a key role in delivering comprehensive care.

2. Services Offered

The services offered during the medical camp were as follows:

• Wellness Check: Blood pressure measurements to help identify and manage acute hypertension, random blood sugar and BMI measurements.
• Psychological Counseling: Offered psychological support to those in need, addressing emotional well-being.
• Nutritional Counseling: Providing guidance on proper nutrition to promote healthier lifestyles.
• Counseling Services for the Prevention of Alcohol and Drug Abuse:Addressed the critical issue of substance abuse and offered guidance and support.
• Dental: Consultation and Check-Up
• Optical and Eye: Consultation and Check-Ups
• Cervical Cancer Screening: Visual inspection was done using VIA/VILLI technique
• Orthopedics & Physiotherapy Services
• Prostate cancer screening (PSA testing) & HPV Vaccine done
• HIV Testing Services
• Legal Support Services
• Blood Drive

3. Key Achievements

• Registered 1,123 Patients: The camp successfully registered a large number of residents through a streamlined registration process, creating a comprehensive database for follow-up care and further community health initiatives.
• Served Over 1,050 Patients Through Triage and Consultations: The triage system allowed us to efficiently assess each patient’s needs and direct them to the appropriate services, ensuring that each individual received personalized, quality care.
• Blood Donations from Over 30 Individuals: These donations contributed to local blood reserves, enhancing emergency preparedness and supporting patients needing transfusions—a critical resource that saves lives in local health facilities.
• Administered More Than 10 HPV Vaccines: HPV vaccines were provided to young adults, promoting long-term cancer prevention and demonstrating the importance of integrating preventive care services in medical camps.
• Specialist Services in Physiotherapy and Orthotics Assisted Over 60 Patients; Dental and Optical Care for Over 200 Patients: These specialist services brought essential care directly to the community, addressing common yet often overlooked health needs such as physical rehabilitation, dental care, and vision screening. These services are generally difficult for residents to access and prevent, mainly due to a lack of resources, worsening conditions.
• Conducted 250 Cervical Screening Procedures and 34 Prostate Screenings: Through cancer screenings, the camp promoted early detection of cervical and prostate cancer, which is essential for effective treatment and improving survival rates. These preventive measures exemplify the benefits of integrating specialized screenings into community health initiatives.
• Counseling Services for Over 40 Patients: The camp addressed the emotional and psychological well-being of residents by providing mental health support, helping them manage stress and other mental health challenges, often exacerbated by socio-economic pressures.
• Legal Services for Over 30 Patients: Access to legal assistance empowers community members by helping them understand their rights and resolving legal issues, which can contribute to social stability and personal security.
• Meals Provided for Over 300 Volunteers from Rotary Club of Lavington Jioni (RCLJ), Rotaractors Club of Lavington Jioni (RRCLJ), Furaha Community Foundation (FCF), and Local Volunteers: A nutritious meal was offered to all volunteers, ensuring they stayed energized and motivated to provide sustained, compassionate care throughout the day.
• Refreshments for Over 1,050 Patients: Water, milk, and biscuits were supplied to all attendees, creating a welcoming environment and ensuring hydration and comfort for patients who might have waited long periods for services.
• Facilitated Transportation for All Doctors and Volunteers: Organized transportation supported the camp’s logistical needs, ensuring timely and consistent care delivery by enabling all medical professionals and volunteers to attend camp.

Advantages of Integrated Services

Integrating a wide range of services in a single medical camp not only met the immediate healthcare needs of the community but also highlighted preventive care, mental well-being, and social support. By offering diverse services under one roof, the camp provided holistic care that strengthened community trust, increased health literacy, and laid a foundation for ongoing health improvements. This comprehensive approach enhances the community’s overall resilience, ensuring access to routine and specialized care that many residents might not otherwise receive.

4. Funding

The total budget for the camp was Kshs. 680,000. The total funds raised covered the camp coordination costs of up to Kshs. 451,000 only.

Therefore, the initial annual Social Health insurance fund cover envisioned will be postponed until further funding is realized in the near future.