In a powerful show of community-driven healthcare, Helpster Charity recently partnered with CFK Africa and some other well-meaning organisations to deliver free medical services to 318 residents of Kibera, one of Kenya’s largest informal settlements.
This medical outreach is part of Helpster’s ongoing efforts to bridge the alarming healthcare gap in low-income communities across Africa and Asia. Despite national reforms, only about 20% of Kenyans have access to basic healthcare, according to recent health policy reports, with the situation particularly dire in areas like Kibera.
This medical outreach is part of Helpster’s ongoing efforts to bridge the alarming healthcare gap in low-income communities across Africa and Asia. Despite national reforms, only about 20% of Kenyans have access to basic healthcare, according to recent health policy reports, with the situation particularly dire in areas like Kibera.
The outreach mobilised a committed medical team comprising doctors, clinical officers, nurses and pharmaceutical technologists. Together, they offered comprehensive care including dental check-ups, cardiovascular screenings, eye exams and general health consultations.
Among the patients served, 25 were referred to Tabitha Medical Clinic, and 3 to Barika Medical Centre for specialised care regarding immunisation, growth monitoring, antenatal/postnatal care, ENT surgery, thyroid disease and child welfare.
“Our mission is to bring essential healthcare directly to underserved communities,” said Dr. Beatrix Atieno, Helpster’s Country Manager in Kenya. “Thanks to the power of technology and a network of passionate partners, we’re making vital medical care accessible where it’s needed most.”
Among the patients served, 25 were referred to Tabitha Medical Clinic, and 3 to Barika Medical Centre for specialised care regarding immunisation, growth monitoring, antenatal/postnatal care, ENT surgery, thyroid disease and child welfare.
“Our mission is to bring essential healthcare directly to underserved communities,” said Dr. Beatrix Atieno, Helpster’s Country Manager in Kenya. “Thanks to the power of technology and a network of passionate partners, we’re making vital medical care accessible where it’s needed most.”
Beyond clinical treatment, the outreach emphasised preventive care and education. Residents received guidance on nutrition, hygiene and chronic disease management, which are key elements often missing from public health initiatives in densely populated informal settlements.
Helpster acknowledged the critical support from its collaborators, including Heart to Heart Foundation, Child Charity Organisation, Barika Medical Centre, Family Health Dental Clinic, Kinani Medical Centre(eye clinic), Human Needs Project, and numerous volunteers.
“It’s encouraging to see so many hands come together to uplift this community,” Dr. Atieno added. “Together, we’re not just treating illnesses; we’re restoring hope.”
Helpster acknowledged the critical support from its collaborators, including Heart to Heart Foundation, Child Charity Organisation, Barika Medical Centre, Family Health Dental Clinic, Kinani Medical Centre(eye clinic), Human Needs Project, and numerous volunteers.
“It’s encouraging to see so many hands come together to uplift this community,” Dr. Atieno added. “Together, we’re not just treating illnesses; we’re restoring hope.”
Founded in 2023 by a group of IT professionals driven by compassion, Helpster uses technology to connect vulnerable children and families with life-saving donors. Its platform www.helpstercharity.org and mobile app have become vital tools in facilitating healthcare for vulnerable populations in Africa and Asia.
To date, Helpster’s free medical outreach initiative has reached over 800 Kenyans, offering a lifeline to communities otherwise cut off from affordable care. The recent Kibera outreach stands as a testament to what collaborative action and innovation can achieve in the face of deep-rooted healthcare inequities.
To date, Helpster’s free medical outreach initiative has reached over 800 Kenyans, offering a lifeline to communities otherwise cut off from affordable care. The recent Kibera outreach stands as a testament to what collaborative action and innovation can achieve in the face of deep-rooted healthcare inequities.
