Chuka, Kenya – From October 14 to 18, 2024, in partnership with the County Government of Tharaka Nithi and the Department of Public Health and Medical Services, IHOPE organized a comprehensive medical camp at Chuka Level 5 Referral Hospital. The camp, which operated daily from 8 AM to 5 PM, provided a wide range of medical services completely free of charge to the local community. A team of esteemed doctors from the United States of America were specially invited to support the initiative.
The Chuka Level 5 Referral Hospital was picked as a host due to the availability of state of the art medical equipment in the facility for the camp that offered specialised treatment for numerous health conditions, including diabetes, hypertension, arthritis, kidney diseases, and other general medical cases. Surgical procedures were also performed for patients suffering from hyperthyroidism, appendicitis (kutoa appendix), hydrocele, and other critical cases. Moreover, the medical team conducted reconstructive and paediatric surgeries, addressing congenital conditions like cleft palates, undescended testes, and intestinal malformations. Other important cases, such as neonatal jaundice, infections in newborns, premature births, as well as gynaecological surgeries, including C-sections and hysterectomies, were also successfully treated as part of the camp.
The organizing team stressed the need for parents to accompany children with congenital conditions for specialised care, highlighting the importance of timely treatment. The camp was steered by a team of volunteers who supported patient registrations, medication distribution, and overall assistance, ensuring the smooth delivery of all kinds of services at the camp. The initiative was dedicated to providing essential healthcare to those in need, particularly the underserved rural population. Throughout the five-day camp, the medical team treated over 1,500 patients not only from Chuka town, but also from other neighbouring counties. As far as surgeries are concerned, in total 50 surgeries were performed for appendectomy, laparotomy, hydrocele and hypothyroidism.
Alongside the medical camp, IHOPE extended its community outreach by organizing visits to several local schools in Chuka town. During these visits, volunteers engaged with students and teachers, distributing essential school supplies, including notebooks, pens, and textbooks, aimed at improving the quality of overall learning experience of the students in under-resourced regions of Kenya. Additionally, the team donated sports equipment such as footballs, volleyballs and nets, and skipping ropes, etc. in order to encourage physical activity and team spirit among youth. By investing in both educational and extracurricular resources, IHOPE’s initiative sought to foster not only academic excellence but also the holistic development and well-being of these children. These contributions were designed to inspire a brighter future for the children in Chuka, empowering them with the tools and resources to thrive in school and beyond.
Reflecting on the success of this initiative, I would like to extend my sincerest gratitude to the exceptional team of doctors who travelled all the way from the USA to offer their invaluable services. Special thanks to Dr Rolando Valdiva General surgeon performed cases, such as: gastrostomy tube insertion, removal of lipoma of the neck; Dr Clay Hinrichs MD/Radiology and his wife Dr Suma B. Ghanta, whose expertise and dedication have transformed countless lives of the Kenyan people.
I would also like to thank the IHOPE Director Dr Norma Rae who performed 23 OB/GYN surgeries, such as: C-section, total abdominal hysterectomy, myomectomy. Special thank you to the pediatrics team of Dr Dario Rodriguez – pediatric surgeon, Dr Francisco Imaz – pediatric surgeon and Dr Genaro Maggi – anaesthesiologist for performing 25 pediatric surgical cases, such as: ventral hernia, umbilical hernia, inguinal hernia, undescended testicle, removal of masses on the chin.
My heartfelt appreciation to our incredible Nursing staff: Angela Mc Donell Nurse Practitioner, Carol Powell Nurse Practitioner, Sofiya Simpson RN, Malgorzata Niedzialek RN and volunteers namely: Seela Hinrichs, Ryan Scholte, Jack Niedzialek & Olivia Niedzialek. From patient registration to medication distribution and ensuring that every individual received the care they needed, their contributions were undoubtedly instrumental in making this camp a resounding success.
This success would not have been possible without the hard work and collective effort of every individual involved. On behalf of IHOPE, I extend my deepest thanks to everyone who played a role in delivering healthcare and healing to the people of Chuka. We look forward to continuing our mission and organizing many more impactful initiatives like this one in the future.
Media Contact
Company Name: iHope for Africa
Contact Person: Rafal Niedzialek
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Country: United States
Website: https://www.internationalhopeafrica.org/