By Melissa Ayieko Onguti | Communications Officer
We are pleased to share an update on the progress of the Children's Health Program (CHEP), which provides essential health services to vulnerable children across several schools in Limuru. This report highlights our outreach efforts, common health concerns observed, and some of the special cases that required advanced care and referrals.
General Health Observations
To date, 3,299 children have benefited from regular medical checkups and treatment through CHEP. The program includes routine deworming every three months, which is especially crucial due to the children’s living conditions, often marked by limited access to clean water and proper sanitation.
Key health trends observed include:
45% of the children suffer from skin conditions, mainly tinea (fungal infections).
40% experience eye problems, with referrals made to Lions Hospital for specialized care.
65% face dental issues, particularly dental caries, which remain a significant challenge.
Many children frequently present flu-like symptoms, including colds and upper respiratory tract infections.
Special and severe conditions such as psychological trauma, suspected abuse, tumors, rare skin disorders, and chronic illnesses like sickle cell disease are referred to specialized institutions such as Kijabe Mission Hospital or other relevant healthcare facilities.
It is worth noting that approximately 10% of the children come from extremely poor backgrounds. Many arrive at clinics looking visibly sick or undernourished, underscoring the need for continued nutritional and psychosocial support.
School-by-School Summary
Majority treated for skin, eye, and dental conditions, as well as common colds.
Two students with chronic health issues were referred for specialist treatment, including one for a growth condition and another for post-abuse trauma and counseling services.
High cases of tinea, eye infections, and dental problems.
One student underwent surgery after enduring scrotal swelling for several months.
Another student is scheduled for corrective orthopedic surgery due to an untreated childhood injury that has affected bone growth.
Children are currently under observation and continue to receive regular care.
Ongoing treatments for general ailments. Further assessments will guide specialist referrals.
Children visit Kimlea Clinic every three to four months for treatment, primarily for skin conditions, deworming, and flu symptoms.
Notable number of lower-class students with skin and dental issues.
Two children were referred for further care: one for sickle cell anemia and the other for suspected psychological trauma. Both are receiving ongoing care and support through appropriate facilities.
Initial assessments show an urgent need for CHEP intervention.
Many children come from disadvantaged backgrounds and are exposed to unsafe environments, including substance abuse. CHEP plans to collaborate with GLC Rehab Centre to introduce counseling and rehabilitation support.
Strategic Partnerships & Mobile Clinics
In partnership with Lions Hospital, CHEP launched a series of medical camps to address the high number of dental and eye-related issues in schools. Instead of transporting children to the hospital, the outreach brings the hospital to them—providing more efficient care and minimizing disruptions to their learning.
The first camp was successfully held at Limuru Mission Primary School and will continue at:
Looking Ahead
CHEP remains committed to delivering quality, accessible healthcare to vulnerable children in underserved communities. With ongoing support, we aim to expand our reach, deepen partnerships with specialized hospitals, and tackle the more complex cases that require long-term intervention.
Links:
Project reports on GlobalGiving are posted directly to globalgiving.org by Project Leaders as they are completed, generally every 3-4 months. To protect the integrity of these documents, GlobalGiving does not alter them; therefore you may find some language or formatting issues.
If you donate to this project or have donated to this project, you can receive an email when this project posts a report. You can also subscribe for reports without donating.
Support this important cause by creating a personalized fundraising page.
Start a Fundraiser
