Boon for elderly persons in Isiolo after enlisting for NHIF

Fauzia Ali, 65, is an overjoyed woman.

She has been living with several non-communicable diseases in the last five years, all of which had a financial toll on her life, forcing her to rely on well-wishers and friends to access the required treatment.

The demise of her younger brother who was helping her shoulder part of the fees, two years ago, exacerbated the situation for the elderly woman from Bulapesa ward in Isiolo County.

"I have a heart condition, hypertension and diabetes, all that need comprehensive care which is costly," she says, though hesitant to shed light on the specific heart condition.

Fauzia has to visit the hospital regularly for checks and monitoring of her blood sugar level, heart as well as foot examination (due to diabetes) and observe a strict diet to manage her glucose level.

"In most cases, I skip the clinics because I do not have any source of income which makes my health deteriorate from time to time," she shared, adding that glucose monitoring helps track progress and guide on adjustment of the doses.

Due to poverty, she is unable to avoid excess carbohydrate intake and fried foods which she says the majority of the people offer to buy for her, due to their relatively low cost.

Her situation is akin to that of a 70-year-old Hadija Mohammud from Kiwanjani in the neighbouring Wabera ward with vision challenges, due to a cataract.

Fauzia Ali speaks during an event to enlist 140 elderly persons in Isiolo County for NHIF. (Photo:Waweru Wairimu)

"I was told at one of the local hospitals that the disease is for ageing which made me worry that soon I might completely lose my eyesight," she said.

She revealed that her priority was food which too was hard to come by due to poverty.

"I am unable to access three meals a day because those I rely on have families to provide for and are also struggling to make ends meet. I eat when food is available," Hadija noted, adding that she had acclimatised to going days without food.

Food provisions

But when The Eastleigh Voice met them, they were high in spirits after they were alongside 138 others enrolled in the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) scheme and their premiums paid for, for the next five years.

The programme will see them also access food provisions monthly during the period to alleviate the suffering they have been going through.

Elderly persons are disproportionately affected during natural disasters and face hunger and malnutrition and many of them are unable to apply for health cover as voluntary contributors.

"I am so happy because I will now be able to access a range of health services for free," Fauzia said, adding that access to nutritious food would contribute to improved health.

Hadija will now be able to have the cataractous lens removed through the incision.

The program is being implemented by Mama Ibado Foundation, a charitable organisation, in partnership with Hass Petroleum.

Program Coordinator Ibrahim Mohammed said the beneficiaries were vulnerable persons who were grappling with various health conditions, and hunger and the majority of them were living alone.

Lack of legislative policy for elderly persons makes them vulnerable to neglect and exploitation.