Embu: Hundreds of elderly individuals from Karumiri Sub-location in Manyatta Constituency, Embu County, have received much-needed medical attention through a complimentary medical camp organized by a non-profit group. This initiative is part of a mission to curb the rising mortality rates attributed to inadequate health education and limited access to healthcare services.
According to Kenya News Agency, the event was orchestrated by Ms. Eva John CW, the Founder of the Love Basket Foundation. Ms. John highlighted the increasing occurrences of "ignorance deaths" among the elderly, resulting from treatable or manageable conditions. This alarming trend prompted the foundation to organize the medical camp, which also served as a healthcare education forum.
Ms. John expressed concern over the growing number of deaths linked to diseases such as diabetes and hypertension, which are prevalent among older adults. She emphasized that many elderly individuals succumb to these manageable conditions due to a lack of health literacy, leading to poor disease management.
"It has become a common occurrence to hear that an elderly person slept and never woke, or just collapsed and died. Upon investigation, it often turns out to be due to these silent killer ailments that can be easily managed with proper information and care," she explained.
During the medical camp, held in collaboration with Aga Khan Hospital and Neema Hospital Embu, Ms. John stressed the importance of health education in reducing preventable deaths and enhancing the quality of life for the elderly. She underscored the need to foster good health-seeking behavior, encouraging prompt professional care when symptoms arise.
"We are also advising them to go for regular medical checkups to enable early disease detection and intervention," she added.
In addition to providing medical services, the team distributed various foodstuffs to the vulnerable group, acknowledging the numerous challenges they face, such as neglect by their children and food insecurity due to a lack of income sources.
Beneficiaries expressed gratitude for the initiative, describing it as a blessing that would significantly enhance their health, well-being, and longevity.