Ukuu, Kenya

This is the MCK dispensary at Ukuu, Kenya.  This is a clinic that was established in 2008 to support the community of Ukuu, Kenya.  It is on the property owned by the Methodist Church and overseen by a local board. I was invited by Dr. Kiara from Nairobi to spend some time in the village he grew up in and where his parent still live.  Mama and dada Kiara graciously opened their home and arms to welcome me to the community.



During my visit January and February of 2010 I saw in excess of 400 patients with the majority having malaria, amoeba, worms, typhoid, pneumonia, and/or a variety of chronic illnesses.  They are fortunate to be in the eastern hills of Mt. Kenya and thus provides for a year long supply of food and water.  Malnutrition was limited in my experience, but rather diabetes and hypertension becoming more prevalent due to excess calorie intake. Even though food was of plenty, access to affordable health care was still limited.  At the clinic the exams were free but a small charge for the medicines and lab tests help support the salaries for the two staff members.

Entry to dispensary.  Beautiful and green vegetation all around Ukuu.


                                             
  Exam room

    Initial interview area.  Ruth, RN in background.

   Ruth, RN and Jane, Lab Tech

 Me, after gaining 10kg while in Ukuu.  It's a cultural issue of providing food to all visitors.  After visiting many homes and consuming 3000 kcal per day it started to show.

     Packing the kids up for the clinic.

          My host family.

     Dispensary Board of Directors.

Jane at work.  All lab tests were done under microscope.  If there was no electricity, it was done via sunlight.  If no sunlight or electricity, done the next day.  :-(

       Another satisfied patient.

     Here for evaluation.  About 30% of all patients were + for MPS.

Fresh food everyday right from the backyard.  Host family that provided for all my needs.

Boiled milk in the morning.  Even though milk is boiled, brucellosis is common - perhaps from the dust in the pens for the cows.

 Host family and cow pen.

Dada and bbq for the evening dinner.