Francis Gathiru Theuri’s mind immediately went to his ailing neighbor, Peter Muchiri Maina, when he heard that a free medical camp was coming to his village.
Determined to get Muchiri the help he needed, Gathiru made sure to carry him to the camp, which was held at Maina Primary School in Nyahururu.
Upon arrival, Muchiri, like many others, was spared from waiting in long queues thanks to Gathiru’s efforts.
The event, organized by a network of health organizations including Hennet, Pathways, and the Laikipia County health department, served as a free medical service to mark World Health Day.
Hundreds of locals from Maina village, located on the outskirts of Nyahururu town, benefited from the day-long medical outreach.
The chief guest, Laikipia County Health Executive Albert Wagura Taiti, encouraged the community to take a more active role in maintaining their health.
He stressed that engaging in regular exercises, like dancing, and eating nutritious food can significantly improve one’s well-being.
He noted that many people in attendance were dealing with conditions like hypertension and high blood sugar, which could be managed through healthier lifestyles.
Taiti also highlighted the importance of a healthy environment, pointing out that pollution can contribute to health issues.
Faith Ndung’u and Betty Wangui, speaking on behalf of Hennet and Pathways, emphasized the importance of educating the community on healthy living and maintaining good nutrition.
A local village elder, Macharia Kahwai, pointed out that many elderly residents in the village struggle with illness because they cannot afford transportation to healthcare facilities.
He urged that such medical camps be held regularly to ensure the well-being of the community and prevent health conditions from worsening.
The issue of healthcare access at the village level, particularly in the more interior parts of the county, remains a significant challenge.
Many rural areas face difficulties in accessing consistent healthcare services due to poor infrastructure, limited medical staff, and the high cost of transportation to the nearest healthcare centers.
As a result, many residents in these remote villages suffer from untreated conditions, often relying on traditional medicine or waiting until their symptoms become critical before seeking help.
To address these challenges, the government and non-governmental organizations have been working towards increasing healthcare outreach in rural and hard-to-reach areas.
The establishment of mobile clinics, regular medical camps, and health education initiatives have been critical in bridging the gap. However, there is still a need for more sustainable health solutions that ensure rural communities are not left behind.
Strengthening local health systems, training community health workers, and improving transportation infrastructure are essential steps in improving healthcare access for these communities.
The event however,not only highlighted the importance of a healthy lifestyle but also emphasized the ongoing need to enhance healthcare access in rural villages.
Regular medical camps and education efforts are crucial to providing immediate support, but long-term solutions are needed to address the healthcare disparities faced by those in more interior and remote areas.