10th August, 2011
AMREF supports the vulnerable in drought-stricken areas
AMREF joined hands with Humedica and World Concern to deliver five tonnes of medical supplies and food supplies to Daadab in northern Kenya, which is host to half a million refugees, many of whom have moved here as a result of the ongoing drought.
The team delivering the support, including AMREF’s Country Director in Kenya, Dr Lennie Bazira, Humedica CEO Mr Wolfgang Gross and World Concern’s Kenya Country Director, Mr Josephat Ngaira, were flown to Daadab on a Cessna Caravan aircraft provided by AMREF Flying Doctors.
The District Officer in charge of the area, Mr Ole Kiapi, thanked AMREF and its partners for the donation, which he said would help them to cope with the large influx of people into the town and refugee camps.
“We are receiving huge numbers of people every day, most of them fleeing the drought and insecurity in Somalia. Our capacities are stretched to the limit. Most of those arriving are women and children, many of them malnourished and ill. We are therefore very grateful for your help,” Ole Kiapi said.
The team visited the Ifo refugee camp and Ifo hospital, where they distributed the food and medical kits, naso-gastric tubes, and energy drinks for pregnant and lactating mothers.The hospital is one of several medical facilities in Daadab, and serves a population of about 120,000 people.
The hospital’s nutritionist, Mr Alexander Mbogo, said the donation is vital in being able to meet the rising need for therapeutic food treatment for vulnerable groups such as lactating mothers, patients with HIV and tuberculosis, and malnourished children.
Find out more about AMREF's response to the drought.