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Over 100 treated as Isiolo youth group runs free medical camp

Patients wait to be examined at a medical camp organised by the Tumaini Health Angels youth group at the Marire area of Isiolo town on March 30, 2024. (Photo: Waweru Wairimu)

By Waweru Wairimu | 31 Mar 2024

The camp targeted the elderly, street urchins and drug addicts, who cannot afford quality healthcare due to financial constraints.

More than 100 Isiolo residents have benefited from a free two-day medical camp aimed at enhancing healthcare for vulnerable groups in the community.

The camp, organised by Tumaini Health Angels, a local youth group, in partnership with Pepo la Tumaini Jangwani, targeted the elderly, street urchins and drug addicts, who cannot afford quality healthcare due to financial constraints.

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Among the services offered at the camp in the Marire area of Isiolo town were screening for various illnesses, consultations and free treatment, with 180 patients being served on Saturday. Asthma, hypertension, diabetes and skin infections were the most common during the health camp.

Patients are examined at a medical camp organised by the Tumaini Health Angels youth group at the Marire area of Isiolo town on March 30, 2024. (Photo: Waweru Wairimu)

Beneficiary Rosemary Ang'olan, a street urchin, hailed the programme for bringing healthcare close to them.

"The majority of us have been abusing a variety of drugs to forget the challenges we face. None of us can afford healthcare services."

Benedict Muriuki said healthcare was no longer a priority due to the harsh economic times and lack of reliable income, which forces them to rely on over-the-counter drugs to suppress pain whenever they fall ill.

"We only go to the hospital when seriously ill because we cannot afford treatment. Such camps are very important and encourage us to embrace behaviours that promote our health," he said.

Tumaini Health Angels representative Hellen Irungu said the camp was an Easter gift for the community, the majority of whom are poor and unable to access quality healthcare.

"We are keen on having a productive community through improved healthcare," she said.

The group is also involved in climate change mitigation through tree planting and the nurturing of talent among the youth.

Patients wait to be examined at a medical camp organised by the Tumaini Health Angels youth group at the Marire area of Isiolo town on March 30, 2024. (Photo: Waweru Wairimu)

Pepo la Tumaini Jangwani founder Hadija Omar said the services were vital, especially in the wake of the doctor's strike, which has denied residents access to specialised services.

Local public hospitals have recorded a dip in the number of patients, ostensibly due to the assumption that the absence of doctors has paralysed all services.

"We found it prudent to offer the services to those unable to access them elsewhere for whatever reasons," she said.

Hadija appealed to the county government to invest more in healthcare and ensure all hospitals have a steady supply of drugs while also educating the population on the need to go for regular medical check-ups.

The organisation runs a health centre and school, facilities that benefit the vulnerable, especially in the Bulapesa Ward.