Help for Kenya: Doctor fights against malnutrition and diseases!

Help for Kenya: Doctor fights against malnutrition and diseases!

In the vibrant town of Athi River, south of Nairobi, Cologne pediatrician Helena Sauter provides valuable help. She is part of the “German Doctors” medical team that has been running the local hospital for five years and has just completed six intensive weeks in Kenya. The place, named after the river that flows through it, is characterized by rapid growth due to industrialization. Around 70,000 people live in the polluted slums, where hygienic conditions and access to medical care are often in a catastrophic state. This reports Cologne City Gazette.

Helena Sauter has made it her mission to help sick children in Athi River. 50 to 100 patients come to the outpatient clinic every day, including many suffering from respiratory diseases caused by smog from factories and dust from the surrounding area. Gastrointestinal infections are also widespread, as the hygienic conditions clearly show. The population lives in corrugated iron shacks without health insurance and has to buy water at high prices, which leads to further health problems. The sustainable aid projects that Sauter implements together with a committed team are a drop of hope - from supporting local forces to providing information about health and nutritional advice.

The challenges on site

The situation in Athi River is not only alarming in terms of health. Many people work as poorly paid day laborers in industry. Their income is often insufficient to support their families, compounding already critical levels of malnutrition. In cities like Nairobi and surrounding areas, high food prices are exacerbating food insecurity. According to that Global Hunger Index Kenya continues to struggle with serious problems of malnutrition, particularly affecting children. In 2018, the proportion of the undernourished population was a worrying 23.2 percent.

Children under the age of five are particularly affected: stunted growth and wasting are widespread. Data shows that in 2014, up to 45.9 percent of children under five in some counties struggle with stunting. The brutal living conditions, combined with inadequate knowledge about nutrition and care, further complicate the situation. Sauter's team is committed to improving the living conditions of families and bringing about positive change.

Sustainable initiatives and personal commitment

Helena Sauter is not only a doctor, but also a passionate advocate for sustainable help. Her perspective on the crisis in Kenya is clear: the importance of education cannot be underestimated. “Support from programs like USAID is essential, but the situation could worsen dramatically if this assistance is not continued,” she warns, drawing attention to the serious impact this could have on HIV infection among expectant mothers. Without regular medication, the risk of infection increases.

Her impressions from Kenya had a strong impact on Sauter, and she plans to return soon to continue supporting the good progress with her dedicated team. Their efforts give hope - not only for the children of the region, but also for the entire community struggling in the gray reality of life in Athi River. The doctors and helpers provide a tireless service that is undoubtedly urgently needed.

An example of a remarkable initiative in a country where the challenges are great, but also the will for change. If you would like to find out more about the projects, you can take a look around here and make your own contribution to improving living conditions in Athi River.