We might associate bulk SMS blast with something we’d get from our network provider informing us of the latest data deals, or an advertising company selling us the latest product. But for community members living to the north of Ol Pejeta, it means they will be able to access medical care.
This month, Ol Pejeta’s Community Development Team partnered with the Laikipia County Government to bring the first mobile clinic to remote communities – who otherwise face half a day’s walk to the nearest dispensary. To get the word out, Ol Pejeta pioneered an SMS blast; that sent the clinic arrival date, time and location to community representatives and respected elders.
The Ol Pejeta Health Programme supports a total of six community dispensaries that serve approximately 11,000 households in the neighbouring communities. These dispensaries have government assigned nurses who can provide basic health and emergency care, and distribute prescription and non-prescription drugs. While these clinics serve the communities to the South, East and West of Ol Pejeta, there are no medical facilities for those living to the North of the Conservancy.
People living here face a journey of over 12 kilometres to the nearest dispensary at Kamok, which is actually inside Ol Pejeta. They must wait for a bus to transport them from the Conservancy gate to the clinic – which is both expensive and time consuming for all involved. This also severely limits access to health care for people that urgently need it, or need to make the trip regularly.
The mobile clinic aims to solve these challenges, and deliver much-needed medical facilities to the people of Tangi Nyeusi, Endana, Ereri, Ngare Nyiro and TuuTuu. The first mobile clinic day, held in Ngare Nyiro, proved a huge success, with over 100 community members turning up for treatment. Many of these people had found out about it from the SMS. The nurse is employed by Ol Pejeta and the medical supplies were assigned to the clinic from the Laikipia Country Government.
Salim Edung, a community representative for the Ngare Nyiro area, profusely thanked Ol Pejeta for the mobile clinic. He said that the community’s attitude towards conservation has become very positive due to the support of Ol Pejeta’s community development team and partners.
With the trial run such a success, the mobile health outreach will now target different communities every week, with a long-term vision of establishing a permanent clinic in the northern region.
For more about our Health Programme and to support our work please contact our Fundraising and Grants Manager:ambrose.njagi@olpejetaconservancy.org