Firmer on the Ground

Well, I certainly did not think I would be writing about another amazing experience so soon, but yesterday was my first day in the field. Basically the entire health system here is stretched well beyond its limits. Compounding the problem is that most patients have no way to access the care, as they live too far from the hospitals and clinics and can't afford the $2 fare to get there. So, they have set up mobile rural clinics based out of trucks. So, we started out at 08:30 towards rural Kenya, passing the Menengai Crater along the way. The south outcropping which towers over the valley was illuminated through the mist and was truly breathtaking. After 30 minutes of bouncing around on the roads, we began our off-roading portion, going deep into a jungle farming area. Goats, sheep, jack-asses (of the 4-legged variety), and birds galore were everywhere. We reached the meeting point and over the next hour, people from around this portion of the Rift Valley closed in on us. They all patiently waited, some in the rain, for their turn to meet with Vitalis (a local PT), and me. PT's are basically responsible for diagnosing all issues in the field and make referrals to specialty clinics, pharmacies, labs, etc. We refer for surgical assessment and intervention. The Kenyan government pays for all services to those who can't pay, but those who don't know that care is available to them, don't seek it, this is most of the rural population apparently. So, thats where we really have an impact, as we initially diagnosed Down's, Epilepsy/Seizure Disorder, Diabetes, and numerous orthopedic issues. We made numerous recommendations and gave home programs for those who were appropriate and then provided a small amount of money for transportation to that facility, so that they can access our recommendations. Meaning-full work. After we had finished with everyone who had come, they had prepared us a meal to thank us. Rice, beans, I think cabbage, and stewed meat. It was all served in dirty pots on kind of clay plates with normal silverware. I would rather have had NASA-grade GI problems than have turned down their generosity. And, as of yet, no ill effects, thankfully.

Today, I am in Nakuru town,trying to learn my way and tomorrow I will heading out to Lake Nakuru NP, a place known for its flamingos, rhinos and leopards.

I am trying to get my pictures up, but the internet is as slow as I thought it would be...