Putting Health Services Within Reach in Rural Kenya 

In Kenya, every year, 64,500 children die before reaching the age of five, mostly from preventable causes, including diarrhea, pneumonia, and complications after birth. Additionally, about 40% of pregnant women suffer from anemia, increasing risks for both mothers and babies, including early birth and low birth weight. 

For those living in rural and pastoralist communities, like South Horr in Samburu County, maternal and child health services can be especially difficult to access. Helen Keller Intl, with support from UNICEF, is expanding outreach clinics, combining vital health services including prenatal care, vitamin A, deworming medication, and screening and treatment for child malnutrition.   

Ethekon Loote, who lives in South Horr, says that in the past, there was nowhere to seek care during pregnancy or when a child was sick. But the outreach clinic has made a major difference by improving access to medical care and nutrition services. 

“My life has really changed, because now I know how to manage my family, and I know how to prepare healthy food to feed my children,” she says. 

Watch this video to learn more about how we are helping put health services within reach for rural communities in Kenya. 

Help put better health within reach for all mothers and children.