Kibera, on the southern edge of Nairobi, is Africa’s largest slum. Residents of the slum do not have access to running water, sanitation, lighting, refuse collection or health facilities.
This, coupled with poverty and overcrowding, mean that people are vulnerable to diseases, such as HIV and TB.
AMREF has been working since 1998 to improve health standards in two regions of Kibera - Laini Saba and Mashimoni. It has funded the construction of a clinic in Laini Saba and is working to reduce levels of disease by improving sanitation and providing education and medical treatment.
AMREF is:
- improving access to essential health services and clean water and hygienic sanitation for 97,000 residents
- reducing the spread of HIV/AIDS in Kibera and treat residents who are HIV positive in their homes using anti-retroviral medication
AMREF has been able to improve living standards for Kibera residents in tangible ways.
So far, the project has:
- employed local labourers to build latrines and water points - helping to discourage the unhygienic custom of the “flying toilet” in which human waste is dumped on the ground in plastic bags
- raised awareness about health, sanitation and hygiene at five local schools
- recruited community health workers and youth groups to hold regular clean-ups in residential areas
- improved water and sanitation conditions, reducing diarrhoeal infections
- improved access to health care by renovating the local clinic and providing extensive training for local health workers
- increased levels of testing for HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis
- provided anti-retroviral treatment for people living with HIV/AIDS
- provided specialised medication for children living with HIV/AIDS
