Lobbies in door-to-door screening to manage chronic illnesses among Murang'a's elderly

Elderly persons living in Murang’a county are set to benefit from a free screening programme to help them control non-communicable diseases.

The programme that is being implemented by Ahadi Kenya Trust in partnership with Mudavadi Foundation, will see community health promoters screen elderly persons in their homes.

It will help the elderly understand their health status and manage chronic illnesses.

Murang’a is one of the counties with high burden of chronic illnesses such as diabetes, hypertension and arthritis among others.

The campaign will complement the government’s efforts to provide quality health care by donating testing kits to community health volunteers.

Ahadi Kenya Trust CEO Stanley Kamau said CHPs will be provided with transport during their visits.

Ambulance Mashinani programme, carried out by the firm provides three legged ambulances that can access hard-to-reach areas.

 “We will use Ambulance Mashinani to help the community health promoters operate in the grassroots,” Kamau said.

Each health promoter will be allocated 20 elderly persons to cater for.

Kamau said many elderly persons are unable to access health facilities due to limited finances.

Prime Cabinet Secretary's wife Tessie Mudavadi said safeguarding health of the elderly population requires immediate and collective attention.

“The elderly are the pillars of wisdom and experience in the society. It is our moral obligation to ensure their wellbeing,” she said.

Tessie said age comes with health challenges that raise the prevalence of chronic illnesses hence the need for regular medical check ups.

The government, in September last year, launched an initiative to integrate CHPs into the health care system.

“CHPs and strong health programmes are the backbone of a healthy society,” she said.

Tessie said early detection and management of health disorders will enable timely intervention and change an individual’s quality of life.

“I encourage community initiatives that promote social interaction among the elderly as loneliness and isolation can have severe consequences on one’s mental and physical health,” she said.

“By fostering community integration, we not only provide companionship but also create an environment where our seniors feel valued and connected."

Nominated MP Sabina Chege praised the two organisations, saying the programmes will change the lives of many elderly persons.

Chege urged the community to care for the elderly as payback for their contribution to the society.