Camp brings healthcare to vulnerable community

Key points:

• More than 600 people living near a Kenyan dumpsite received free medical care through a United Methodist mission center’s outreach.
• Some of the beneficiaries had been living with disease and pain for years due to the long distance to health facilities and high costs of accessing treatment.
• The medical camp helped address conditions associated with the environment surrounding the dumpsite such as prolonged exposure to dust and smoke.

Members of a marginalized community in Kenya are experiencing renewed hope and better health thanks to the efforts of United Methodists in the Kenya-Ethiopia Conference.

The Inspired Word Mission Center, an official ministry of The United Methodist Church, set up a temporary health clinic at Mwakirunge Dumpsite in Kilifi District, where hundreds of residents received free medical care during a camp held July 24-26.

“Seeing elderly people, children and entire families leave with renewed hope reminds us that ministry is demonstrated through acts of love and service,” said the Rev. Laura Wanza Nyamai, the center’s director.

The center operates a school with 40 children ages 2 to 6 years enrolled, providing students with breakfast and lunch five days a week. It also offers a weekly feeding program on Sundays.

Nyamai described the medical outreach as both a healthcare intervention and an expression of Christian compassion. Volunteer medical teams offered consultations, treatment, laboratory services, mental health assessments and medication free of charge. More than 630 patients received onsite care and referrals for specialized treatment.

Residents of Mwakirunge cited the long distance to health facilities and high costs as the main obstacles to accessing treatment. The only nearby facility is a private hospital, where services and medication are not affordable for most families in the settlement. As a result, many either go without treatment or delay seeking medical care until their conditions worsen.

Nyamai said the decision to organize a free medical camp was driven by what she witnessed daily at the mission center’s school.

“The schoolchildren often fell sick and parents were not able to afford medication, so they end up missing school. Also, the people I serve at the mission center are always sick.” 

The intervention was organized by Inspired Word in partnership with Equity Afya, a Kenya healthcare network, and the Mombasa County government.

The medical camp revealed the significant health burden facing residents living near the dumpsite, with upper respiratory tract infections being the most common ailment treated with 111 people affected. Health workers attributed the high number of cases to prolonged exposure to smoke, dust and poor environmental conditions surrounding the dumpsite.

“Children come to school with runny noses and persistent coughs daily,” said Mercy Mwandani, a teacher at Inspired Junior Complex academy.

“We are grateful for this outreach because many parents cannot afford hospital treatment. Since the children received medication, we have already noticed a remarkable improvement in their health,” she said.

The second most common condition was scalp ringworm, a highly contagious fungal infection that primarily affects children and spreads easily through direct contact or by sharing personal items such as combs, towels, hats and bedding, said Dr. Shem Otoy, one of the doctors who provided care during the camp.

“Regular medical checkups allow health problems to be identified and treated before they become more serious,” he said, urging families to maintain good hygiene, avoid sharing personal items and seek early medical attention.

For Fatuma Munga, an 18-year-old student at Marimani High School, the camp marked the first opportunity to receive treatment after living with the scalp condition for three years.

“I had suffered for years because I could not afford treatment. When I heard about the medical camp, I came very early because I finally saw hope. After only two days of using the medicine, I have already seen a big improvement. I believe God is restoring my health.”

The outreach also benefited elderly residents living with chronic illnesses.

Saumu Bakari, 70, uses a walking aid since a road accident left her with a permanent disability four years ago. 

“I have lived with pain for years and I finally received free treatment,” she said after being treated for hypertension, ulcers and chronic leg pain. The mission center is a blessing to this community as our children receive education, meals and support, while families who cannot afford healthcare are finally receiving help.”

Another resident, Santa Mwaringa, described what she believes was a remarkable turnaround after visiting the camp. She said her blood pressure was high before receiving prayers and medical care. “Afterwards it came down. To me, that was a miracle, and I thank God for His healing.”

The outreach was supported by dozens of volunteers, including Roger Nyamai, a Kenya Medical Training College student. He said serving the community has strengthened his commitment to his vocation.

“My prayer is that this mission center develops into a fully-fledged mission hospital so that more people can access quality healthcare,” he said.

Gerald Lugonzo, an engineer, also volunteered despite undergoing a leg amputation two months ago.

“Being part of the outreach gives me renewed hope, purpose and encouragement, reminding me that even in the midst of personal hardship, I can still make a meaningful difference in the lives of others,” he said.

County government representatives Rachael Kavata and Ben Otula said the partnership brought change to the community, noting that the outreach addressed a significant gap in accessing essential medical services for the vulnerable families living around the dumpsite.

“I love what the mission center is doing to the people of Mwakirunge; it is really inspiring,” Kavata said. “This partnership complements government efforts to improve community health. I encourage this collaboration to continue, and we will support future initiatives that will strengthen access to quality healthcare in this area.”

Nyamai acknowledged the support of East Africa Episcopal Area Bishop Daniel Wandabula, partners, donors and volunteers whose contributions made the outreach possible.

Mutua is the communications director for the Kenya-Ethiopia Conference.

News media contact: Julie Dwyer at newsdesk@umnews.org. To read more United Methodist news, subscribe to the free UM News Digest.