MAF flew doctors from CURE Children’s Hospital in Kenya to help treat patients with disabilities, living in remote communities.
A team from CURE travelled with MAF from the Kenyan capital Nairobi to Lodwar and Lokichar for two days to treat children with disabilities.
The group consisted of two doctors, a physiotherapist, an orthopaedic technologist, a pastor and a clinic coordinator. With the help of one of their partners, Missions of Hope International, they were able to provide healthcare to families in need.
MAF helped transport essential medical supplies and equipment, which were used to help the team provide consultations and follow-ups for children with conditions like cleft lip, clubfoot, bowed legs, knock knees, burn contractures and cerebral palsy. Although no surgeries were performed during these mobile clinics, children who required advanced procedures were identified and referred to CURE’s hospital in Kijabe for further treatment.
We were able to see a total of 60 patients and five of them were scheduled for surgery. I want to thank MAF for their services and the hope that they bring.
Through local partnerships with community pastors, patients were mobilised, making sure that the community was aware of the clinic’s arrival.
The reception was heartening since most of the families turned out in large numbers seeking care for their children. Local healthcare staff and volunteers played a critical role, assisting with clinic setup and organising meals, which helped the team focus on their work.
Since it wasn’t the first time for CURE to have mobile clinics in Lodwar, there has been a shift in perceptions around disability. Families have stopped hiding their children with disabilities and are now bringing them forward for care. This has shown the growth of awareness, and the trust fostered by these visits.
Travelling by road would have been challenging, if not impossible. It takes approximately 9 hours from Nairobi to Lodwar. Another challenge being faced is finding children on the runway especially if the airstrip is near a school. The partnership with MAF allows CURE’s team to maximise their time on the ground and reach more patients.
Without MAF, traveling by road would be too expensive and risky, and it would take longer to reach the destination, meaning less time to see as many patients as possible.
CURE has planned follow-ups for the children, and the team anticipates returning to these communities next year.
MAF pilot Joost de Wit was pleased to see the impact of the doctors’ work in the communities.
This was my first CURE safari, and it was a good experience.
“It was nice seeing CURE team at work since there were a lot of children being treated and I could definitely feel that this trip was very effective. I’m looking forward to fly with them again soon.”