2009 in Review

As the year draws to a close, we wanted to take some time to reflect back on all that has happened and express our extreme gratitude to all those involved.  Each year since its inception, our hospital has continued to grow and develop.  2009 was no exception.  Without question, your ongoing support and encouragement has helped us get where we are today.  While our hospital still has many needs, we are grateful for what we have, and we are incredibly blessed that we have been able to impact our community in a positive way each and every day.

Our medical team has touched the lives of many people this year.  We welcomed 3 new students into our patient care assistance program.  We took part in Keeping Kenya Polio Free and 1500 children under the age of 5 benefited from vaccinations given by our doctors.  We were able to offer eye exams to 523 people.  Most recently, this month we were able to add a dentist to our medical team and so far 50 people have benefited from his care.

Critical improvements have also been made to our hospital.  Most importantly, due in large part to our accreditation status improving our financial situation, we have been able to maintain required medications in our pharmacy.  Thanks to a generous grant from Kitchen Table Charities Trust, we were able to purchase equipment for our medical laboratory.  We hired a carpenter who helped build shelving to hold the new equipment.  He also built a beautiful reception desk to welcome patients to our facility.  Through the support of the Safaricom Foundation, we were able to purchase some of the equipment required to begin limited dental services at the hospital as well.

In 2009, we have learned that incredible things can happen through networking.  When people around the world join hands fantastic things happen.  This was truly what brought us 11 boxes of donated medical supplies from Motorsport Medical Services in the UK.  Without the assistance of AVIF Volunteers, Kenya Airways and much persistence these supplies may have never gotten to us.  The Tour d’Afrique Foundation donated bicycles to our community outreach team which has helped tremendously with transportation out into the local community, and Baby DM made a generous donation which has benefited many new mothers and helped us welcome the newly born members of our community in style.

This year, our hospital has made many new friends and welcomed multiple visitors to our facility.  We had the pleasure of providing a tour for an official from the Embassy of Japan in Kenya.  Monica, from Friends of Kenya, paid us a visit as well.  Two years ago, our hospital dreamed of one day being able to welcome international medical volunteers to work alongside our doctors.  In 2009, this became a reality.  Dr. John Gilbert from the UK was our very first international medical volunteer. We then welcomed Amanda Brookes from the UK, Tom Liber from Sweden and Dr. Sharmini Ragunathan also from the UK.  Wes Downer, a documentary filmmaker from the United States also traveled to Kenya and spent a few weeks with us learning about the work we do in order to help us bring our hospital to the next stage of its development.

We expect many more great things to come in 2010.  We are expecting another visit from the Embassy of Japan in Kenya and are hopeful they will work with us to build our own facility so that we can stop paying rent and use that money instead to help our patients.  We are also expecting a group of Japanese medical students early next year. We look forward to forging relationships with partners around the world to keep the residents of Kayole-Soweto healthy. We are keenly aware that as a result of good health they will lead happy and more productive lives. 

We cannot do any of these things without the ongoing support and encouragement and our volunteers.  The hospital still has many needs.  Medical equipment, donations to help support the cost of transporting refurbished equipment to the hospital, and monetary donations to help support the day to day expenses are all very welcome.  We are looking forward to 2010 with great anticipation and hope to continue building positive relationships with all of you.  On behalf of the staff of Arrow Web Hospital, we wish you each a very Merry Christmas and all of the very best for the New Year ahead!

Dentist Hired - Dental Services Begin

After an extensive search, Arrow Web Hospital has added a dentist to our medical team.

We are very excited to have the ability to offer limited dental services to our community.  We had some difficulty securing a dental chair, but we improvised and so far things are moving forward nicely.  We are so very grateful to the Safaricom Foundation for their generous grant which enabled us to provide this service to those in need.  So far, 50 people have benefited from the care provided by our dentist.

We are still missing many of the other critical items needed by our dentist.  If you are interested in making a donation to help us - either making a monetary or equipment donation, please contact Bramuel directly for information on how to help.

Looking for a solution...looking for closure

It's been awhile since my last post. I would like to apologize to the readers for the long delay. I have been torn about the content of this post. Since my arrival back to the United States I have experienced a wide range of emotions due to my trip to Kayole, Africa and Majesterio, Mexico. I have dealt with denial, anger, sadness and probably the most intense feeling of all...guilt.

I have always been a believer in change, a believer of hope and opportunity. I wanted to use my filmmaking gift to "change" and "educate" the rest of the world. I wanted to bring it to your living rooms, local theaters and be a part of the solution, not the problem. For the past month or so, I have sat "idle" on my feelings and movement to find what is truth. What can we really accomplish in places like Majesterio, South America, Asia and Africa?What can we really accomplish here in the United States and Europe? I have allowed the ugly and traumatic events to cloud the direction I wanted to go in with this film. I have sat and reflected so much on my past personal experiences and my filming experiences. I carry the guilt of not being able to put in motion a solution, to help the people that I have committed to helping. I think about my friend Kris and how he was gunned down in the street for no reason at all, I think about the kids of Kayole, I worry for there future, their health and their safety. I think about Francisco, a young boy from Majesterio who lost his life to the very thing that is suppose to aide him in sustaining life...water. Francisco died by drowning. I play these events over and over in my head and I ask myself the same question everytime....WHY?

I share this with all of you for one reason....I still believe in a solution. If enough people put their heads together, I believe a solution can and will be found. The people that depend on Arrow Web Hospital, should and could have the proper health care they and all of us deserve. In order to reach that goal, the hospital and it's staff need the necessary equipment, facilities and training to accomplish this reachable goal. The staff at Arrow Web works with what they have to work with, which is not much. Babies are being born and the hospital has no incubators. However, they do the best to assist and help the patients that walk through the door everyday and night. I don't think that it is a far fetched idea that a new facility can and should be built. A facility with running water and guaranteed electricity, a facility with life saving equipment and a staff that is trained to use , help and save lives.

Perhaps society has cashed their ticket on the older generation, but my friends, this trend of poverty, sickness, no education and corruption CAN end if we reach out to the younger generation. It's not to late. Give them a ray of hope, give them a reason to change. We need to show them that we care, not just tell them. My mistake was thinking that a small crew and myself could march in and change the situation. When I realized we couldn't, the guilt set in. Friends, I refuse to give up hope that the world can and will be a better place. I believe that the people that society tends to forget or look past are a huge answer to creating a better place. Call me crazy, however I know this to be true. How you might ask?....I was once their myself.

To my friend Uzziel in Kayole, keep your head up my friend, straighten your back and proudly carry the load.

Contact Jennifer wells on more information regarding needed medical equipment for Arrow Web Hospital.

Dental Services Set to Begin

Earlier this week, a portion of the equipment needed to begin providing dental services arrived at the hospital.  Thanks to a grant from the Safaricom Foundation, Arrow Web Hospital is now able to begin limited dental services.  This equipment provides a great start for us, and for this we are very grateful.

Additional equipment is still required for the hospital to have a complete dental kit and be able to offer a full range of dental services to our community.  If you or someone you know is able to help us secure the remaining equipment, we would love to talk with you.  While there are many organizations offering to donate refurbished equipment, the transportation costs for getting this equipment to the hospital are oftentimes much more than the hospital is able to manage financially.  

Arrow Web Hospital says Goodbye to Dr. Sharmini Ragunathan

Today the staff at Arrow Web Hospital said goodbye to Dr. Sharmini Ragunathan from Manchester Medical Center in the UK.  Right before her departure, an expectant mother, 6 months pregnant was admitted into the hospital in active labor.  Dr. Ragunathan was able to help her safely deliver a tiny baby boy.  Our staff was able to get the mother and child safely transferred to Pumwani Maternity Home, about 28 kms from the hospital.  He was placed into an incubator and the great news is that he is alive.  

Arrow Web Hospital is very much in need of a baby incubator so that we are able to manage situations such as this one effectively at our facility.  We are very grateful to Dr. Ragunathan for her work at the hospital during the past month and for your support in helping us handle this high risk birth today.  We hope to share more from Dr. Ragunathan about her experience once she is settled back at home.

To the readers

As a Documentary Filmmaker/Journalist, one of the pieces of advise we are given is to never get directly involved with the subject or subjects that we are filming or interviewing. I never understood this logic, until I arrived in Kenya to shoot the Arrow Web project. I have committed to write a couple more blog entries with the emphasis on needed hospital equipment and volunteers, my intentions are to still fulfill my commitment. However, this particular blog is written for myself and the thousands upon thousands of children that live in the Kayole-Soweto and even Kibera area. It is written for the millions of kids worldwide that continue to live and survive in harsh, politically corrupt and socially insensitive environments.

Since my return to the States I have not been able to find comfort in my own familiar surroundings. My mind is constantly replaying the images, the voices and the pleas from the people that I met while in Kenya. As a Filmmaker/Journalist I did exactly what I was advised not to do...I got close and personal with the people that I was there to film and interview. The project quickly became less about the film and became more about what I needed to do to find a way to help and protect. There is an old saying, "bite off more than you can chew...then chew it"! Have I bit of more than I can chew? As a society we have failed. We have, and I say WE, as in all of us..have failed. My opinions do not reflect the opinions of the hospital or those that host this site, these are my opinions based on my own personal experiences. I have made a decision to take a few more days and sit in limbo trying to make sense of the message I am trying to relay to the readers. I ask for your patience during this time. One thing is certain, serious attention needs to be given to Arrow Web and the surrounding area. I have said before, I chose not to live my life out of sight, out of mind. I never have nor will I ever.

Kwere

I met a man today at a site known as Kwere, a canyon that in many ways reflects the Grand Canyon located in Arizona. The difference between the two is the canyon in Kwere is not being shaped and sculpted by mother nature, it is in fact being shaped by the hand made hammers and hours upon hours of physical labor done by the men and woman that work here. From the top it is a very inspiring and magnificent site, but as you make the rocky, jagged decent down into the canyon, you begin to realize the painstaking work that has taken place in order to form this place. There are no machines, no trucks to haul the broken rocks up to the rim of the canyon, there is however, the sacks, buckets and the backs of the people.

Jackson, the young man I met and interviewed at Kwere is 23 years old, he had to give up his dream of becoming a boxer so that he may provide for his young family. During our conversation, Jackson was very open and held nothing back. He told me that he and the many other people that work here are in need of serious assistance. When we touched on the topic of living cost, I asked him how much does he spend a month on food to make sure he and his family eats well, his reply..."I can't answer that, I don't know what it is like to eat well". I then asked him if 100 usd dollars would be enough to feed his family for one month, his response..."nobody here spends that much money to buy food". You see, Jackson makes 5 usd every two weeks, those that are older and not as fit, make less.

This is one of many stories that I have encountered during my stay in Kayole. Times are severely tough here, but if you arrived here blindfolded with no knowledge of the area and it's poverty, you would never guess the horrible situation that is taking place here. The people are willing to share any and all of their possessions (including their food), with any outsider....even an American. The more and more time I spend here, the more I realize my purpose for being in Kayole. The people see me as an opportunity to be their voice and reach the outside world. Have I stepped in over my head? I don't think so, I don't pretend to think I can change the world, however I will do everything and anything to educate it on areas like Kayole, Soweto and Majesertio, MX.

You might be wondering what this story has to do with my film and Arrow Web Hospital. It's quite simple, without Arrow Web, people like Jackson can't get the basic medical attention that is needed. If he and the others are unable to get the aide, they can't work, if they do not work, they are not paid and they do not eat, not to mention their kids will never see the inside of a classroom. I should mention that Jackson has a wife and a 2 year old daughter. They become one of the many million who's story may make our media in the states right before the news breaks to cover a story about another overpaid actor or athlete that ordered steak and was delivered chicken, or how making 20 million dollars a year isn't enough to feed their families...we all know what a tragedy that is!

Msungu

Msingu, or "white man" in English is what I am known as to the kids in Kayole. Everyday I arrive at the hospital I hear "msingu, msingu", It's not said in a derogatory manner, but instead the opposite. Everyday I am greeted with hand shakes from many people, curious as to what I am doing in their neighborhood and when I explain to them, they want to know why. My answer is easy...I care!

I was able to film several kids receive their measel shots, as you can imagine there was alot of scared kids that was followed by alot of crying. I usually have a hard time seeing children in any type of pain, but in this case I knew it was for the best...try telling that to them and they think your nuts! Another baby was born (that makes 3 in three days). I was able to film the surrounding area of Kayole-Soweto through the sunroof of a car. That's right, some how I was able to fit my camera and myself through the sunroof and film the streets of Kayole. I don't think I have ever had so many eyes on me at one time throughout the entire time we were shooting. Although Kayole is considered a slum, it is a functioning area that has many businesses of all sorts. It truly is an amazing site.

Daily life for me so far has been very interesting. One day you may have running water, the next day you may not. Internet access requires alot of patience and at times the electricity will be cut to preserve the power for the rainy season. Things that I have taken for granted in the States, I have quickly learned to appreciate while my stay in Kayole. I knew that this project was going to be a challenge, I just hope that I can deliver a product that will not only help the people of Kayole and the Arrow Web Hospital, but make them feel proud of who they are and where they come from. Although I am here to do a job, I want to and I need to interact with the people so that I may come away from this experience a better person than I was when I started it.

As I mentioned before, I am having issues posting a video blog, but I will continue to try so that you all may get a little glimpse into this beautiful culture and it's friendly people.

First Impressions

From the time my plane landed in Nairobi, I knew that I had landed in a very special place. I was met at the airport by my guide and friend Bramuel, the director of Arrow Web Hospital. We started off with a traditional Kenyan lunch and headed over to the hospital so that I may see where I would be shooting for the next three weeks. When I arrived at Arrow Web, I was greeted by several kids and each one of them had their hand extended out to me with a huge smile asking me, "how are you?" It's no secret that I am an outsider and many instantly pegged me as an American. The people of Kayole know why I am here and they have made it a point to make me feel welcomed.

So far, one baby has been born at Arrow Web and I am told that many more will likely follow during my stay here in Kayole. I feel so far removed from my life in the States and for the next three weeks I hope it stays that way. I have made a decision to embrace the local traditions, customs and way of life during my stay here in Kayole. I feel it is the only way that I can truly understand and appreciate the daily lives of the people.

The streets of Kayole are filled with the laughter of children, the aroma of the street vendors that cook their dishes on an open wood fire pit, the banging of tools as the men fix, shape and build their homes and shops along the dirt roads of Kayole. The faces of Kayole are the faces of hope, compassion, believe and love. The stories can go on for ever, I hope to bring you just a few in hopes that we all can recognize what is important in our own lives, what is priority and why it is necessary to make the appropriate changes that we all know is needed to make our world a much better place for the kids. The road for these people and Arrow Web is a long and bumpy one, but it is a road that has already begun to be paved with the generosity of the international community, the staff of Arrow Web and the volunteers.

I still plan to post video blogs, I am having a few issues with my Internet connection out here, I appreciate your patience and look forward to hearing your feedback.

WlD

Seattle to Nairobi

I'd like to start off by introducing myself, my name is Wes Downer, I am a documentary filmmaker from Seattle, Washington. On September 17 I leave the comfort of my own home in the states to travel to Kenya, Africa. The purpose of the trip is to document the area known as Kayole-Soweto, it's residence and the Arrow Web Hospital that treats and attends to it's 760,000 plus population.

My intentions are not to be the "story teller" nor the creator of stories, I will simply be the messenger. I plan to post video blogs to show the viewers exactly what it is I am doing and seeing on a daily basis. The residents of Kayole are in need of serious medical supplies, equipment and attention, it is my goal to produce enough visual evidence to see that this happens in hopes of gaining international support, both from the United States and the UK.

It is not important that people know who I am, but it is extremely important that they know what myself and the hundreds of other people are trying to do to bring much needed attention to this area of the world. I understand that Kayole-Soweto is not the only place in the world that needs international attention brought to the spot light, however it is where I will be and because of that, it is my primary focus. Poverty is an universal problem that effects every country and every type of person in existence. More and more people each day become one of the several millions that live life below the poverty line. Perhaps that is something that will never change, however, every single person deserves the basic "luxuries" of life such as the right to basic education, the right to change his or her current situation and the right to medical help. This documentary film is in no way a political statement, it is however an insight to a way of life that probably most you reading this, including myself will never have to experience. Knowing that, I believe we still have an obligation to help those that truly cannot help themselves. I hope you all follow the blog, I hope the people of Kayole are able to capture your hearts, as I am sure the will mine and I hope together we can find a solution to this problem whether it be in Africa, America , the UK or anywhere else in need of serious attention.

To see more photos of this experience, visit my facebook page under the name Wes Downer and I will post more pictures throughout my stay in Kenya.

Baby DM Donation Supports New Mothers

On August 29, 2009 Bramuel was able to pick up a donation from Baby DM Scandanavia, a marketing company located in Helsingborg Sweden. This kind donation will go a long way toward helping new mothers at Arrow Web Hospital. Arrow Web Hospital staff are extremely grateful for this show of support to the people of Kayole-Soweto. Thank you for helping us welcome the newest members of our community to the world.

Saying Goodbye to Amanda Brookes

Amanda Brookes left Kenya for the UK this week. Here are some pictures from her with the Arrow Web Hospital staff being presented with a certificate of appreciation after a month of volunteer work. We will miss you Amanda! Thank you for all you did for us!

Visiting Lake Nakuru

Volunteers at Arrow Web Hospital also have the opportunity to travel and experience other parts of Kenya. These are pictures of Amanda's visit to Lake Nakuru.

Amanda Meets the Children of Kayole-Soweto

The children of Kayole-Soweto were excited to have another new person to play with following the departure of Dr. John Gilbert. Here are some pictures of the children outside the hospital playing with Arrow Web Hospital volunteer Amanda Brookes from the UK.

Volunteering at Arrow Web Hospital

Arrow Web Hospital staff said fairwell to our second internationally based medical volunteer this week, but before Amanda Brookes departed for the UK, she agreed to answer some questions about her volunteer experience over the past month. If you are a medical professional interested in volunteering with us, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Amanda, we thank you for your work and appreciate the kindness that you demonstrated to the people of Kayole-Soweto and your willingness to share your experience with others.

1. What is your name of your organization or group that assigned you to volunteer at Arrow Web Hospital?

I did not organize this through a organization or group, but myself. I found the website through searching the internet and emailed the hospital directly.

2. What are you trying to achieve by donating your time to Arrow Web Hospital?

I wanted to gain experience of how healthcare works in a different country, to practice my medicine, and to feel that I am helping people in the community.

3. Why is this important to you and the community of Kayole-Soweto?

It is important for me to feel that I am contributing to the community here, and to improve my medicine. I know that the children in Kayole Soweto have enjoyed playing with me outside the hospital, and I hope that I have made a contribution to the treatment of some of the adults that have visited the hospital too!

4. How long have you been volunteering for Arrow Web Hospital?

A month. I would have liked to stay for longer though!

5. What was the motivating factor that led you to Arrow Web Hospital?

I wanted to be part of a large hospital which was making a positive contribution to the community, where I could meet lots of patients, and see lots of different diseases and procedures. When I came to look around Arrow, I found that it fulfilled all these criteria, and also that there was a really friendly atmosphere in the hospital, so I immediately felt at home there.

6. Tell us something about a key person/founder behind your decision to enter the medical field?

My father had a brain tumour when I was young, and consequently I spent a lot of time in hospitals and caring for him for 3 years. I think this is when I became interested in medicine, when I noticed how important the doctors and nurses that treated him were, both to him and to us.

7. Is there anything unique to how you are doing things? What’s your approach?

I don’t know if there is anything unique about how I am doing things. My approach is to try to be friendly with the patient and build a good relationship with them, and keep them as informed as possible.

8. Describe any highs and or lows your experience personally or the organization as a whole in day to day encounters with patient?

Personally, I often found it hard to communicate with the patients because problems with the language. I would have liked to have known more Swahilli, and not have had to rely on English. Also, as I still have 3 years of medicine left before I qualify, I have sometimes felt that I did not know enough medicine to be able to contribute to treating the patients as much as I would have liked. However, this also contributes to my high – I had never seen anyone deliver a baby before, and it was very satisfying to see a mother give birth for the first time!

9. Tell us a key frustration working in your field?

How the patients wait until they are very ill to visit the doctor, because they fear the cost of the treatment, and how they often struggle to get the money they need for the drugs, despite them being extremely cheap.

10. How can you advice other volunteers who want to give they time to volunteer at Arrow Web Hospital?

I would advise them to definitely do it! They should contact the hospital directly to try and arrange the dates of the placement. The hospital has been very helpful towards me in helping with accommodation, transport, and even assisting me to arrange trips to other parts of Kenya, so there is no need to go through an agency.

A visitor from Sweden

Tom Liber, from the company Cellavision, based on Sweden, has been in Kenya for the past 3 weeks. He came across Arrow Web Hospital via a Google search and contacted Bramuel to come for a visit. Tom is in Kenya doing work in the area of blood hematology, specifically in relation to Malaria.

Tom was able to facilitate assistance for Arrow Web Hospital from Baby DM, another company based in Sweden. Bramuel was recently contacted and informed that a donation in support of the hospital was on the way. Arrow Web Hospital is extremely grateful for this kind donation and the international support they have received in the last several months.

A Good-Bye Party for Dr. John Gilbert

After 6 weeks of volunteering side-by-side the Arrow Web Hospital medical staff, Dr. John Gilbert is heading home to the UK.

Dr. John Gilbert now holds the distinction of being Arrow Web Hospital's very first internationally based medical volunteer. We are truly grateful for his dedication, care and the empathy he demonstrated toward the people of Kayole-Soweto during his time at the hospital.

Dr. Gilbert was honored with a small party hosted by the Arrow Web Hospital staff and presented with a plaque in appreciation of his hard work. We will miss him and welcome him back to Arrow Web Hospital at any time!

Welcome Amanda Brookes from Imperial College in London!!

Amanda Brookes, a second year medical student from Imperial College in London, has arrived in Kenya and was welcomed by the Arrow Web Hospital staff on Friday, 7/31/09, to begin a 4-week medical elective.

Bramuel and the rest of the hospital staff are very excited to be able to welcome a new medical professional for an extended visit to work side by side the Arrow Web medical team. Amanda is the 2nd internationally based medical volunteer to visit the hospital.

We look forward to providing updates on Amanda's work with the hospital throughout the next month.

Free Eye Exams offered June 14th

Early on June 14th, people began to gather outside Arrow Web Hospital. People came to Arrow Web Hospital to meet with Dr. J. Omondi from Kenyatta National Hospital. Thanks to Dr. Omondi and the Lion's Club Kenya, we were able to offer free eye exams to 523 people.

People continued to line up at the end of Dr. Omondi's day and unfortunately not all could be seen. Dr. Omondi hopes to schedule additional time at Arrow Web Hospital again in the future. We are very grateful to Dr. Omondi and the Lion's Club Kenya for your support.

Much love for Dr. Gilbert

The children of Kayole-Soweto are really enjoying Dr. Gilbert's time at Arrow Web Hospital. We'll let their smiles tell the rest of the story.

Arrow Web Hospital welcomes Dr. John Gilbert

A few weeks ago, Arrow Web Hospital staff had the distinct honor of welcoming Dr. John Gilbert, from the University of Sheffield in the United Kingdom. Dr. Gilbert will be volunteering at the hospital for the next 7 weeks. He will be working side by side with our doctors to gain firsthand experience in Kenya.

Dr. Gilbert was looking for a place that he could volunteer his time during his break from the university. He spoke with a member of AVIF, a volunteer organization based in the United Kingdom, who directed him to our hospital website. He then contacted Bramuel, our hospital administrator and made his travel arrangements. We are very excited to have him here as our first internationally based medical volunteer.

Dr. Gilbert has expressed a desire to talk about Arrow Web Hospital when he returns to the University of Sheffield and hopes to help develop relationships with other medical doctors who may wish to volunteer here in the future.

John Gilbert

Hi Friends of ARROW WEB HOSPITAL am sorry that it have taken me so long to tell you that the volunteer from UK Dr John Gilbert was arived the at Arrow web hospital for 7 week volunteering at our hospital. i will continue updating you of his stay in kenya and at ARROW WEB HOSPITAL.

We welcome any of you or who has a friend tha he/she is willing to volunteer at our hospital welcome with all of our hearts.
looking forward and i will update you more about the hospital and mostly stay of Dr John.

Polio Vaccinations Begin

May 23rd, we provided polio vaccinations to 218 children who visited Arrow Web Hospital with their mothers.  We wanted to share some pictures from the kick-off of our week long vaccination efforts to Keep Kenya Polio Free.

Keeping Kenya Polio Free

Beginning May 23rd-27th,  Arrow Web Hospital will be vaccinating more children for polio.  This time, the hospital is expecting to vaccinate around 1500 total children under the age of 5 years.

Help "Keep Kenya Polio Free" by bringing your children, or telling others to bring their children to be vaccinated. 

470 Children Vaccinated for Polio

April 25-29th, Arrow Web Hospital successfully offered polio vaccines to 470 children.  The hospital was supplied with the vaccines by the Kenyan Government as part of it's Emergency Polio Vaccination Campaign.

Polio is a highly contagious disease caused by a virus that lives in the human intestines.  It can also be found in human feces.  The virus is primarily spread by contact with the feces of an infected person-such as when changing diapers.  It can also be spread through contaminated food and water in areas where there are poor sanitation systems.  Once the virus enters the body, it multiplies in the throat and intestines.  It travels through the bloodstream and infects the brain and spinal cord.  Paralysis occurs because of this attack on the nervous system, destroying the nerves that send messages from the brain and muscles.  Vaccination is the best way to prevent polio, but once infected there is no cure.

Monica visits Arrow Web Hospital

Several weeks ago, we were contacted by Sarah at Friends of Kenya, who told us that her friend Monica would be in Nairobi and wanted to know if a visit could be arranged for her to see the hospital.  We were, of course, thrilled and eagerly awaiting her arrival in Nairobi.  

Monica works with the the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the United States of America, and paid her visit to Arrow Web Hospital today.  Above is a picture of Monica and her friend visiting with one of our doctors.  Monica is in Africa with the CDC to work in Botswana and wanted to stop by to see the work we are doing firsthand.  We had a great visit and were very pleased to show her our facility.

World Malaria Day

by guest contributor Pat Roba

On April 25, 2009, the world will join together to celebrate World Malaria Day.  World Malaria Day has been designated to spur global action on the disease with the aim of achieving universal access to malaria prevention and treatment tools in Africa by 31^st December, 2010. This year’s World Malaria Day theme is “Counting Malaria Out”. 

According to UNICEF, of the more than 350 million people infected with malaria every year, 90 per cent live in sub-Saharan Africa. In spite of this focus on Africa and other malaria-endemic nations, malaria is truly a disease without borders as global partners in the fight against malaria such as governments and public and private organizations pool resources to combat the disease. 

MALARIA INFECTION AND SYMPTOMS 

Contracting malaria can be a harrowing experience, both for those of us who live in endemic areas and are therefore used to regular bouts of malaria and for visitors who might not have heard of the disease until they travel to malaria endemic areas. 

Malaria has many symptoms, some that are classified as minor and not so obvious and some that are quite obvious. However most of the time symptoms of malaria infection are not so dramatic and can be easily dismissed as unimportant. 

Malaria causes a flu-like illness characterized by fevers, headaches, sweating, tiredness, abdominal pain, diarrhea, loss of appetite, nausea, slight jaundice and vomiting. 

It’s easy to confuse malaria with flu, especially in the early stages of infection. It might start with flu-like aches in the joints, followed by a mild head-ache, then a fever which finally breaks into a torrent of sweat at night. Sometimes its starts with fatigue and a lack of appetite, pain in the neck and lower back and severe headaches.

In other instances it begins with vomiting, diarrhea and feeling bad all over. It then develops into bouts of sweating and a lack of concentration as the infected person becomes really weak. Some people have even reported that they feel as if their hands and feet are burning all the time. 

Clearly it’s difficult to tell whether its flu or malaria infection within the first couple of hours. However, bouts of high fever followed by torrents of sweat in alternating phases are usually strong indicators of malaria infection. Fever remains the most important sign of malaria. 

Symptoms vary from person to person, with some experiencing acute symptoms while others experience mild symptoms of the disease. 

You are therefore advised to seek medical advice as soon symptoms appear since malaria can be lethal if treatment is delayed. 

People at particular risk, and who should take extra precautions to prevent contracting malaria would include children under 5 years, adults over 65, pregnant women, people on long term steroids or those receiving chemotherapy, aids patients, people who have had their spleens removed and people with porphyry (porphyria), epilepsy and chronically ill patients.

Although the people that fall in the categories listed above are more at risk, please do not be under the impression that healthy, young adults with strong immune systems can withstand this type of infection.

Should any person be infected, they should receive the proper medical attention as soon as possible.

MALARIA IN CHILDREN

Malaria poses a serious threat to children, especially children under 5 years. According to UNICEF malaria kills a child somewhere in the world every 30 seconds. Most of the 1-3 million who die every year from malaria are children and mainly from Africa.

Children may not contract malaria in the first two months of life or the manifestations may be mild with low parasite counts in the blood (parasitemia) due to the passive immunity offered by the maternal antibodies

The parasite rate increases with age from 0 to 10% during first three months of life to 80 to 90% by one year of age and the rate persists at a high level during early childhood. Death from malaria among children is highest during the first two years of life.

By school age, a considerable degree of immunity would have developed, especially in areas with high cases of malaria. The opposite is true in areas of low cases of malaria, immunity is generally low and severe malaria infection occurs in all age groups including adults.

In children below the age of 5 years, particularly infants, malaria tends to be atypical and more severe whereas in older children the disease has a similar course as in adults.

In Kenya apart from death cases which are estimated to be in the thousands every year, children who survive malaria may still be affected in the long run. Repeated episodes of fever and anemia end up affecting their mental and physical development, impairing their education, and their growth into productive adults.

Although the recommendations for most antimalarial drugs are the same as for adults, it is crucial to use the correct dosage for the child. The dosage of drug depends on the age and weight of the child. 

MALARIA IN PREGNANT MOTHERS

Malaria may pose a serious threat to a pregnant woman and her pregnancy. Malaria infection in pregnant women may be more severe than in women who are not pregnant. Malaria may also increase the risk of problems with the pregnancy, including prematurity, abortion, and stillbirth. Malaria infection in pregnant women is particularly undesirable as it may lead to malaria-related anemia in the mother and the presence of parasites in the placenta, which contributes to low birth weight – a leading cause of impaired development and infant mortality

Statistics indicate that in sub-Saharan Africa, between 75,000-200,000 infants die from malaria per year; worldwide estimates indicate over 1 million children die from malaria each year. Therefore, all pregnant women who are living in or traveling to a malaria-risk area should consult a doctor and take prescription drugs to avoid contracting malaria.

Treatment of malaria in the pregnant female is similar to the usual treatment for any other infected adults. However some drugs are not recommended to be used during pregnancy as they may harm the fetus. The correct drugs for each type of malaria in pregnant mothers must be prescribed by a doctor who is familiar with malaria treatment protocols. 

MALARIA IS PREVENTABLE AND CURABLE 

Despite the huge annual deaths from malaria, it is a curable and preventable disease. 

PREVENTION 

Malaria is transmitted by a bite from a malaria parasite carrying mosquito. One is at most risk of being bitten by a mosquito, both outdoors and indoors, between dusk and dawn. Consequently the best way to prevent malaria would be to avoid getting bitten by a mosquito in the first place. 

Simple and cheap measures such as putting on protective clothing to cover your otherwise exposed skin greatly reduces one’s risk of being bitten by mosquitoes. For example exposed areas on your body such as ankles should be covered with thick socks to prevent mosquito bites. 

Other methods of preventing mosquito bites include the use of insect repellents, which are applied to the skin or otherwise sprayed or vaporized in a room. There is a wide range of insect repellents in the market and care should be taken when buying a mosquito repellent since they differ in concentrations and effectiveness.

Alternatively, one can opt to use natural oils to keep mosquitoes away. Mosquitoes are known to strongly dislike citronella essential oil and its citrus like smell so much so that it can be used effectively when contained in a cream, lotion or when sprayed or vaporized in a room.

Use of mosquito nets, especially insecticide treated mosquito nets (ITNs) also offer effective protection against mosquito bites. On top of protection from mosquito bites, nets give users the chance to have undisturbed sleep, free from the nuisances and buzzing noises made by mosquitoes when one is asleep.

Nets can be purchased already treated with insecticides or a proprietary insecticide can be bought and applied separately. Care should be taken to ensure the net is free of even tiny holes as even small holes will allow the mosquitoes to enter the protected area.

Other methods of preventing mosquitoes from entering your place of residence and biting you include fitting all rooms with mosquito mesh screens on the windows and doors to keep mosquitoes at bay while providing fresh air as doors and windows are kept open. Alternatively, use of air-conditioners to provide cool air while keeping the room mosquito-free is also a great way to keep out mosquitoes.

CURE

Malaria is becoming increasingly resistant to drugs and thus prevention of malaria infection is still highly recommended and advised. When you have contracted malaria and the diagnosis is confirmed by symptomatic evaluation by your medical practitioner, backed up by a malaria blood test to check for the plasmodium parasite your doctor would prescribe a combination of medication to deal with this sometimes lethal parasite that has invaded your body by means of a simple bite of the anopheles mosquito.

Three main factors determine treatments:

i) The infecting species of Plasmodium parasite (the plasmodium parasite which causes human malaria can be divided into four different species, namely plasmodium falciparum, plasmodium vivax, plasmodium ovale and plasmodium malariae),

ii) The clinical situation of the patient (for example, adult, child, or pregnant female with either mild or severe malaria),

iii) The drug susceptibility of the infecting parasites.

Drug susceptibility is determined by the geographic area where the infection was acquired. Different areas of the world have malaria types that are resistant to certain medications. The correct drugs for each type of malaria must be prescribed by a doctor who is familiar with malaria treatment protocols..

Mild malaria can be treated with oral medication; severe malaria (one or more symptoms of either impaired consciousness/coma, severe anemia, renal failure and a host of other complications requires intravenous (IV) drug treatment and fluids.

People infected with malaria can die and often because of delayed treatment. Immediate treatment for malaria is necessary, both for children and adults.

This year as we mark World Malaria Day, it’s important to note we have to pool our resources, join hands and participate in a concerted effort against malaria if we are to Roll Back Malaria and eventually achieve success in “Counting Malaria Out.”

Growth of our Pharmacy

Arrow Web Hospital is very proud of our hospital pharmacy, so we thought we would take this opportunity to share some history with you in both words and pictures.

In May 2008, Arrow Web Hospital moved into our present building. This is a picture of our pharmacy shortly after we moved in:

In September 2008, we achieved our initial accreditation under NHIF. At that time, NHIF provided a list of medications with an estimated cost of $1500 and explained that these are required be in stock at all times. The hospital staff were told that if they were not able to maintain these medications, they risked losing the accreditation they worked so hard to obtain. With the reimbursement they received at the end of October, the first month they were able to accept insurance cards, they were able to purchase over half of the medications that NHIF required be stocked in the hospital pharmacy.

November 2008 brought more NHIF card carrying patients to the hospital as word spread that Arrow Web Hospital could now accept these cards. The hospital ended up being reimbursed over $700 USD at the end of November and was able to purchase the remaining stock needed for their pharmacy. NHIF officials have been checking in regularly with the hospital and have been very pleased with the progress and management of funds to date.

Since October 2008, each month our reimbursements have grown and we have been able to maintain stock in our pharmacy. The following pictures were taken in March 2009. We are very proud of our pharmacy and the growth that has occurred in less than a year's time. These are pictures of one of our doctors stocking a new supply of medications to our shelves: