Kitui West constituency witnessed a remarkable event earlier this week as the Edith Vethi Nyenze Foundation, in collaboration with the Kenya Institute of Special Education, the National Council for Persons with Disabilities, and Hope Mobility, organized a two-day medical camp aimed at providing essential healthcare services to persons with disabilities (PWDs) in the region.
The initiative, spearheaded by Member of Parliament Edith Nyenze, saw an impressive turnout of individuals seeking medical assistance and support. The camp, held on Tuesday and Wednesday, was strategically hosted at two different venues to accommodate the large number of attendees.
On Tuesday, Matinyani Boys Secondary School served as the venue for the medical camp, where 250 PWDs gathered to receive much-needed medical attention and support services. The event not only provided access to healthcare but also served as a platform for awareness and advocacy for the rights and needs of persons with disabilities.
Wednesday brought another wave of beneficiaries as the medical camp shifted its location to the Kabati Catholic Church hall. This venue saw an even larger turnout, with 500 PWDs in attendance, reflecting the significant demand for accessible healthcare services in the area.
The medical camp offered a wide range of services, including medical check-ups, consultations, mapping for distribution of assistive devices, physiotherapy sessions, and counseling sessions. A team of dedicated healthcare professionals and volunteers worked tirelessly to ensure that each individual received personalized care and support tailored to their needs.
The collaborative effort between the Edith Vethi Nyenze Foundation, the Kenya Institute of Special Education, the National Council for Persons with Disabilities, and Hope Mobility highlights the power of partnership in addressing the healthcare needs of marginalized communities. By pooling resources and expertise, these organizations were able to make a tangible difference in the lives of hundreds of individuals living with disabilities.
MP Edith Nyenze expressed her gratitude to all partners and volunteers involved in making the medical camp a success. She emphasized the importance of inclusive healthcare and pledged continued support for initiatives that promote the well-being and empowerment of persons with disabilities in Kitui West.
The MP also called upon parents with disabled children to stop hiding them at home for fear of stigmatization but bring them out to access healthcare and education, sentiments that were echoed by the Kitui West curriculum support officer for special education Mr. Elijah Kitonyi.
As the medical camp concluded, its impact reverberated throughout the community, leaving a legacy of compassion, solidarity, and hope. The event not only provided essential healthcare services but also fostered a sense of unity and support among individuals with disabilities, reaffirming their inherent dignity and right to quality healthcare.
Hon Edith Nyenze disclosed that there will be another exercise on 17th May this year, where the beneficiaries of the camp will be issued with respective assistive equipment. She also pledged to be holding such camps annually, through the foundation, so as to ensure all PWDs have access to quality healthcare.
The success of the medical camp serves as a testament to the commitment of all stakeholders to build a more inclusive and equitable society, where every individual, regardless of ability, has access to the care and support they need to thrive.
Kitui Newspaper 