1st November, 2011
Drought update: Rains finally arrive but bring more challenges to relief work
As the Kenyan community begins to recover from the effects of the severe drought that struck the Horn of Africa earlier this year, AMREF Kenya has been on hand to treat the millions affected by the drought.
The long-awaited rains have arrived in many regions of Kenya but it will take months for the benefits to be seen. Furthermore, rains can increase the spread of waterborne diseases, which, as the population are already weak after the effects of the drought, could spell yet further disaster.
To combat this, AMREF and our partners are launching health campaigns to raise awareness of the importance of safe water use, sanitation and hygiene.
Despite the challenges that the communities still face, the team continues to make good progress.Many communities now enjoy access to clean water and emergency food and medical supplies continue to help those affected recover.
The achievements of AMREF Kenya’s Drought Response team include:
- In Turkana, AMREF provided 400 elderly people in Lopiding, Loruth and Mogilla with food suppliments.
- A total of 48 community health volunteers from Matinyani district were trained in the monitoring and referral of patients to the dispensary for treatment.
- 3,185 people were able to access immunisation, vitamin supplements, de-worming and family planning services from a clinical outreach centre set up by AMREF in the Matinyani district.
- In Miyani primary school, the school management was able to harvest lots of water from the short rains that poured in the week by ensuring the Rain Water Harvest System maintained and working and in good shape.
- AMREF’s response to events in Kenya will continue to focus on strengthening the health system and to ensure that communities that have fallen outside the system are re-connected and have secure access the health care they need.
If you would like to support our work helping families and communities in Kenya to recover from drought please donate online.