Mathare flood victims get checkups, medicine at free medical camp

Flood victims in Mathare, Nairobi, on Monday benefited from a free medical camp that aims to ease their burden amid heavy rains and the doctors' strike, which have left many homeless and without medical attention.

Many, the majority being children, turned up for the camp organised by the Shining Hope for Communities (SHOFCO) non-governmental organisation, with cases including injuries, respiratory illnesses, and diarrhoea.

Florence Aluoch, a SHOFCO community health worker based in the area, recounted the devastation from the floods, saying, "I live in Mathare. I remember people knocking on my door seeking help. I mobilised people, and together, we were able to rescue some even from rooftops."

"We have been walking to different camps, checking on people, and referring them to the free medical camp. Many children in the camps currently have colds and diarrhoea, so we are providing them with medicine."

Medical supplies are pictured during a free medical camp by Shining Hope for Communities (SHOFCO), an NGO, for flood victims in Mathare, Nairobi, on May 6, 2024. (Photos: Charity Kilei)

Aluoch said they leave for the camps daily after receiving updates from the government and its agencies.

"We have benefited from well-wishers who have brought food and some basic needs and provided women with money to search for houses. "Over 8,000 people were affected by the floods, many of whom have no stable income or means of accessing medication. Women have been greatly affected by the floods since they depended on the manual jobs offered in Eastleigh."

Anne Wambua, a social worker in Mathare, noted an increase in respiratory illnesses in both children and adults.

"There are also surging cases of hypertension, and many diabetic patients are coming to us. The medications are expensive, but we are helping as much as we can."

According to Alex Osiemo, a doctor from SHOFCO, waterborne diseases have become prevalent.

"Many diarrhoea cases are being reported by community health volunteers, so we are distributing medication to help the people."

Osiemo said they have implemented measures, including the Aqua Tap, to mitigate the effects of diarrhoea.

"Due to the lack of water in Mathare and with many people drinking unclean water, we have installed taps to distribute clean water to residents."

Residents of Mathare in Nairobi await assistance during a free medical camp by Shining Hope for Communities (SHOFCO), an NGO, on May 6, 2024. (Photo: Charity Kilei)

SHOFCO has also established a socio-economic department to provide basic needs and socio-economic empowerment.

"Many people in this camp are depressed. That's why we have counsellors and psychiatrists to help them," he said.

Six medical camps and wards have been established in Mathare to address the surge in diarrhoea cases and mitigate its effects. Operations continue daily, alongside a data collection drive.

The attendance at these free camps fluctuates, ranging from 100 to 150 people daily, with a consistent surge.

"The entire community has been affected," Osiemo said, adding that they prioritise flood victims while also serving the larger community due to shared water resources.

"More children are present in the camps, often sleeping outdoors. There has been a notable increase in the number of children with pneumonia and respiratory illnesses compared to adults," he said.

The doctor added that they have also attended to pregnant women, whom they refer to hospitals like Pumwani.

"We are hoping there will be no cases of home delivery amidst the doctors' strike," he said.

Sarah Ateka, one of the beneficiaries of the free medical camp, said, "My children have been suffering from a cold, and I didn't have any money to buy medicine. I'm so grateful for the free medication that has been offered.

She and her family have been staying at one of the camps in Mathare.