Poverty Barriers Lock Kilifi Villagers Out Of Healthcare As Over 700 Benefit From Free Medical Camp

By Ben Okweingoti 

Residents of rural villages in Kilifi County continue to face significant challenges in accessing quality healthcare, with poverty emerging as a major barrier to treatment and preventive services.

This reality came to light during a free integrated health screening camp held at Kakuyuni Dispensary in Malindi Sub-County. The outreach was organized by Rotaract Clubs of Malindi and Bahari Mombasa in partnership with the Kilifi County Department of Health, North Coast Medical Training College, and Afya Hospital.

According to Geoffrey Mbura, a Community Health Promoter from Kakuyuni village, many residents are unable to seek timely medical attention due to financial constraints, leaving them to suffer silently from treatable conditions.

“Many people are living with diseases they cannot treat because they lack money. However, initiatives like this medical outreach are helping bridge that gap by bringing services closer to the community,” he said.

Mbura also raised concern over maternal health, urging expectant mothers to prioritize clinic visits to reduce risks associated with pregnancy and childbirth.

“Although cases of maternal and infant deaths have reduced, we still record some. I urge pregnant women to attend clinics regularly so they can be monitored and deliver safely,” he added.

For beneficiaries like Alex Mkare, the outreach offered a lifeline. Having struggled with ailments such as ulcers, Mkare admitted that financial hardship had previously forced him to rely on traditional remedies.

“I wasn’t feeling well, but I am hopeful that after this check-up, I will recover,” he said.

Youth were also encouraged to take a proactive approach to their health. Grace Wanjiku, President of the Rotaract Club of Bahari Mombasa, emphasized the importance of routine medical check-ups, particularly for early detection of serious illnesses.

“I urge young people to go for regular screenings. Diseases like cancer can be managed effectively if detected early,” she noted.

More than 700 residents benefited from the outreach, highlighting the urgent demand for accessible healthcare services in rural areas. Elijah Odhiambo, President of the Rotaract Club of Malindi, reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to expanding such initiatives.

“Rotaract is dedicated to serving rural communities. We identified Kakuyuni after establishing that there were significant healthcare gaps, and we will continue working with partners to reach more underserved areas,” he said.

Medical professionals involved in the exercise called for decentralization of specialized services. Lead clinician Erick Deje pointed out that services such as eye and dental care remain out of reach for many rural residents due to distance and cost.

“These specialized services are largely available in Malindi town, yet many residents cannot afford transport. There is a need to bring such services closer to rural communities, even if periodically,” he said.

Cecilia Kariuki, President of the Rotaract Club at Pwani University, echoed these sentiments, adding that patients requiring further treatment after the outreach would receive free care at Malindi Sub-County Hospital.

The medical camp not only provided immediate relief but also underscored the persistent healthcare inequalities facing rural populations in Kilifi County.