HUNDREDS BENEFIT FROM FREE DIABETES MEDICAL OUTREACH

Kariobangi North residents turned up in large numbers at the chief’s camp area to get free screening services on 14th November, 2022 to commemorate World Diabetes Day 2022. Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) staff in collaboration with other staff from Mama Margaret Uhuru Kenyatta – KNH Annex and other external partners collectively made the event a success from organizingto coordination of the outreach.

The services provided included screening for Diabetes, Breast and Cervical cancer, Dental check-up, Foot care, Nutrition awareness, Physiotherapy, Opthalmology and Voluntary Counseling & Testing (VCT). The purpose for the outreach was to educate, empower, and make a positive impact to the people in Kariobangi North. The outreach began in earnest at 9am where upon arrival, those present got registered and triaged. They were then furnished with health education on physical and reproductive health among other topics as they awaited to be sent to specific screening service points depending on the specific need. Besides the extensive screening exercise, there was provision of free medication for those diagnosed with any conditions.

Representing the KNH management as the chief guest was Dr. Rose Nyabanda – Director, Health Information and Diagnostic Services. “We are happy to have been embraced by the community. This outreach also aims to create awareness on Mama Margaret Uhuru Kenyatta Hospital which offers Pediatric services to those around Kariobangi and its envions” she said while making her remarks at the outreach. She also added that Diabetes affects children too and people should take advantage of the Diabetes and Endocrinology specialists in KNH. Among the beneficiaries was Fedis Wambui Irungu, a 21 year old Diabetes warrior who was diagnosed at 10 years. She shared her testimonial on how she manages the condition and how it’s like living a normal life as she transitions from Pediatric to adulthood Diabetes care in the Diabetes and Endocrinology Centre, KNH.

“With a good diet and medicine, it is possible to lead a normal life like me and I’m hopeful to live up to even 100 years” she said as she gave her testimony at the event. The Kariobangi North Elders expressed their gratitude profusely to the KNH team for their tireless effort in making sure the residents  in attendance were all treated and assisted accordingly and for making it possible for the medical outreach to reach them. KNH medical team managed to screen over 528 patients during the outreach.