Health Facilitaton Focus

The Catholic Diocese of Ngong runs a health program that covers both curative and preventive health. On the side of preventive health, there are community based health programmes in two areas: Abossi in Transmara District and Mulot in Narok South District. Activities carried out include school health clubs, HIV/AIDS activities, training of community owned resource persons (CORPS) like traditional birth attendants, training of youth and vulnerable groups on income generating options, health education and anti-female genital mutilation interventions.

On the curative side, the Diocese oversees 13 health facilities that include dispensaries, health centers and one hospital (St. Joseph’s Mission Hospital, Kilgoris). These are spread out in the 6 districts that comprise the Diocese namely: Narok South, Narok North, Kajiado Central, Kajiado North, Loitokitok and Transmara.

Achievements

• An established partnership with Kikuyu Mission Hospital whereby satellite comprehensive care centres for HIV infected persons have been established at St. Marys Health Centre – Kiserian and at Embulbul Catholic Dispensary
• Catholic Medical Mission Board funding of Prevention-of-Mother-to-Child (PMTCT) activities in Lemek, Nookopirr and Rombo Health facilities
• Successful implementation of Malezi Bora Program in Mulot and St. Anthony (Abossi) Health Centers through KEC funding by UNICEF
• Introduced orthopaedic clinic in Embulbul while dental, gynaecological and ENT services have been introduced at St. Marys Health Center – Kiserian
• Realized CBHC Program impact in Abossi (Kilgoris Development Cluster) and Mulot (Narok Development Cluster)

Challenges

• Stiff competition from other health facilities in the area
• Location of some health facilities in extremely remote areas thus making it difficult to attract qualified staff
• High staff turn-over in Diocesan Health Facilities due to inability of facilities to pay competitive salaries
• Lack of specialized equipment
• Declining donor support