PROVIDING HEALTHCARE TO CHILDREN IN RURAL KENYA

Dear Friend,

We are pleased to share the second quarter update on the Children’s Health Program (CHEP). This initiative continues to provide vital health services to vulnerable children in several schools across Limuru. Over the past months, our focus has remained on preventive care, treatment of common ailments, and referrals for more serious health concerns.

General Health Observations

So far, 3,299 children have benefited from regular medical checkups and treatment under CHEP. Routine deworming every three months remains a cornerstone of the program, particularly important given the children’s limited access to clean water and proper sanitation.

Health trends observed during this quarter include:

• 45% of children suffer from skin conditions, mainly tinea (fungal infections).

• 40% experience eye problems, with referrals to Lions Hospital for specialized care.

• 65% face dental issues, especially dental caries, which remain a persistent challenge.

• Many continue to present with flu-like symptoms, such as colds and upper respiratory infections.

Special conditions—including psychological trauma, suspected abuse, tumors, rare skin disorders, and chronic illnesses like sickle cell disease—are referred to institutions such as Kijabe Mission Hospital for advanced care.

It is also important to note that around 10% of the children come from extremely poor backgrounds. They often present visibly sick or undernourished, highlighting the ongoing need for both nutritional and psychosocial support.

School-by-School Summary

• Kibubuti Primary School – 900 Children
  Most children continue to be treated for skin, eye, and dental conditions. Two students with chronic illnesses remain under specialist care—one for a growth condition and another for post-abuse trauma.

• Limuru Mission Primary School – 1,301 Children
  High cases of tinea, eye infections, and dental problems remain prevalent. One student successfully underwent surgery for scrotal swelling, while another is preparing for corrective orthopedic surgery due to an untreated childhood injury.

• Umoja Primary School – 568 Children
  Children remain under observation and continue to benefit from regular medical follow-ups.

• Raini Primary School – 500 Children
  Ongoing treatment for general ailments continues, with referrals planned where needed.

• Gatina Nursery – 30 Children
  The children continue to receive routine visits to Kimlea Clinic every three to four months, mainly for skin conditions, deworming, and flu symptoms.

• Humanitarian School – 350 Children (one-time support visit)
  Several younger children continue to receive follow-up for skin and dental problems. Two special cases referred last quarter—one for sickle cell anemia and another for psychological trauma—remain under specialized care.

• Upcoming: Kibathi Primary School – 1,400 Children
  Initial assessments confirm the urgent need for CHEP’s intervention. Many children come from disadvantaged backgrounds and are exposed to unsafe environments, including substance abuse. CHEP is preparing to collaborate with GLC Rehab Centre to strengthen counseling and rehabilitation support.

Strategic Partnerships & Mobile Clinics

Our collaboration with Lions Hospital remains strong, particularly in addressing widespread dental and eye conditions. Medical outreach camps have proven effective, bringing specialists directly to schools to minimize disruption to learning. The first camp at Limuru Mission Primary School was highly successful, with additional camps scheduled for:

• Umoja Primary School

• Kibubuti Primary School

• Raini Primary School

Looking Ahead

CHEP remains committed to ensuring that vulnerable children receive timely, quality healthcare. With your continued support, we look forward to expanding our outreach, strengthening partnerships, and addressing complex cases that require long-term intervention. Together, we are building healthier futures for the children in our care.

• CHEP_STORIES.docx (DOCX)