"For those of us working in community health in Kakamega County, Kenya, it marked the beginning of a shift one felt in villages, households, and health centres. My work brings me face-to-face with pregnant mothers, children under five, elderly patients managing chronic illnesses, and families navigating poverty and illness at the same time. Community health is not theoretical here. It is personal."
"During her first pregnancy, outreach clinics were a regular help. Health teams would come closer to her home, and follow-ups were consistent. When she had questions or concerns, someone checked in. This time was different. Outreach activities had reduced, and regular follow-ups were less predictable. She walked a much longer distance for antenatal care. When transport money was scarce, she postponed appointments."
A Community Health Volunteer in Kakamega County, Kenya describes the direct impact of UK government aid budget cuts on local health services. The reduction in outreach clinics has forced pregnant mothers, children, and elderly patients to travel greater distances for medical care. One young mother who previously received regular antenatal visits from health teams now faces inconsistent follow-ups and must walk much farther for appointments. Financial constraints prevent families from affording transport, leading them to postpone necessary medical care. Community health work, which directly addresses poverty-related illness and maternal health, has become increasingly difficult to sustain with reduced resources and support.
Read at www.independent.co.uk
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