Residents in rural areas have been urged to go for regular medical checkups to allow for early detection and intervention of illnesses such as cataract, hypertension, diabetes among others.
Ushiriki Wema Okoa Malaika programme brand ambassador Njoki Mambo speaking on behalf of the organization’s Chairperson, Tessie Musalia, Spouse to the Prime Cabinet Secretary of Kenya said that regular medical checkups and screening are crucial in ensuring early diagnosis of age related illnesses
Mambo was speaking during a free eye medical camp at Karung’e primary school in Murang’a that was organized by Ahadi Kenya Trust where over 500 local residents were offered comprehensive eye screening services, with some receiving glasses and some 22 referred for surgery.
Mambo laid emphasis on the importance of early detection and intervention of illnesses as being pivotal in managing and improving the lives of elderly people and other vulnerable groups.
“I encourage our elders, their families and their caregivers to prioritize routine health screening and well checkups as part of our approach to early detection and prevention of diseases,” said Mambo.
She said one of the areas of focus at Ushiriki Wema is the elderly under the program dubbed Staraa ya wazee where they engage elderly people in activities that are centered on their wellbeing ranging from medical camps.
“Our efforts are to create a sense of belonging, inclusion and continued purpose for our senior citizens” she said, adding that prevention and timely treatment will significantly improve their quality of life.
Ahadi Kenya Trust CEO Dr. Stanley Kamau speaking at the same event said that regular checkups will help in Detecting any irregularities enabling timely intervention and management to make a substantial difference in the quality of life for the elderly.
Kamau noted that most ailing and elderly people lack the resources to take them to health facilities as some are located in far-off areas.
“Early screening will go a long way in fighting disease prevalence, especially among elderly people as they are mostly at risk, “he said, adding that residents were also screened for non-communicable diseases like hypertension and diabetes.
He urged other partners to join hands in bringing essential healthcare services closer to our elderly population as it is through your generosity and kindness that we can continue to provide hope and care for those who are in need.
Dr. Daniel Mburu from Lions Sight First Eye hospital said that there is a prevalence of eye conditions in the country and that such medical camps bring services closer to the people for checkups, and whenever necessary provide reading glasses and eye surgery.
He said the cataract condition of the eye is when the lens inside our eye develops cloudy patches. Over time, these patches usually become bigger causing blurry vision and eventually blindness.
“Cataracts can cause blindness and this is preventable blindness since a one off surgery can restore sight,” he said adding that it is more common in older adults and that it can affect their ability to carry out daily activities.
He advised residents to seek medical checkup if they experience symptoms including eyesight is blurred or misty, when lights are too bright or glaring, one finds it harder to see in low light and colors look faded
NCBA Murang’a Branch manager Bernard Ngatia on his part said that the banks’ partnership with Ahadi Trust Kenya reflects on their shared commitment to the wellbeing of our senior citizens within our respective communities.
Ngatia said as a bank they have pledged Sh. 250,000 that will go directly to support the initiative and that through collaborations they have also been able to offer more to the communities in different projects.
One of the beneficiaries, 70 year-old Mary Nyambura from Gitugi ward lauded the initiative noting that it was a relief to the many elderly people who are ailing.
“Apart from my eyes being screened and receiving glasses to enable me to see properly, I also had my blood sugar and blood pressure checked” she said.
By Anita Omwenga
