The national health insurer has provided medical assistance and food to more than 370 Turkana families facing starvation.
"The community received supplements to boost their low energy levels. Those who were unwell were treated for a range of ailments including malaria, worms infestation and eye infections," Gilbert Osoro, National Hospital Insurance Fund Benefits and Contracting manager, said yesterday.
The donated food items were maize, beans, milk, biscuits and food supplements. Nutritionists advised the beneficiaries on healthy living. Children were immunised. A total of 162 children were screened for malnutrition.
A NHIF-assisted medical camp comprising the Kenya Red Cross, the Turkana government, Shepherd Health Centre, St Monica Hospital and Kerio Health Centre was held for hungry residents of Ngimuriae village in Kerio sub-county.
Out of 1.2 million people in Turkana, 805,000 have health-related problems in addition to starvation due to drought. The region has not had rains for the past year.
The Ministry of Health has pledged full support. "We have always had projects for emergency in the country so the people suffering from malnutrition and diseases will receive food supplements to boost their immune system," Dr Simon Kibias, head of the Division of Health Emergency and Disaster Risk Management, said.
