Leah Kaisany, a 35-year-old mother from Risa in Kajiado County, encountered significant challenges accessing healthcare. Residing in a remote, semi-arid region, she had to trek more than 40 kilometers to reach the nearest health center.
In urgent situations, she had to allocate over Kshs 2000 for boda boda transportation or more than Kshs 10,000 for a vehicle, expenses her family, reliant on livestock for sustenance, could not manage. These obstacles typify the difficulties faced in pastoral communities, where healthcare facilities are scarce and widely dispersed.
Before opening the Dandelion Medical Center in Risa last year, Leah had never experienced childbirth in a hospital setting. Like many women in her community, she resorted to risky home deliveries, contributing to alarming maternal and infant mortality rates. Access to family planning services was also scarce, exacerbating health risks associated with high fertility rates.
The establishment of the Dandelion Medical Center marked a transformative turning point for Leah and other community members. Located conveniently close to her home, the center offered free maternity services that enabled Leah to receive regular antenatal check-ups and essential care without financial strain.
When she gave birth to her sixth child, she did so safely and professionally at the center, a stark contrast to her previous childbirth experiences. Alongside quality medical care, Leah received a “mama pack” containing vital items such as sanitary pads and baby essentials, ensuring her and her newborn’s well-being.
Moreover, at the center, Leah was trained about the importance of family planning, which she had never considered. She received a suitable family planning method, empowering her to make informed decisions about her reproductive health and future.
Leah’s story highlights the impact of the Dandelion Medical Center on the Risa community. By providing accessible, quality healthcare, the center is transforming lives. Women now have a safe place to deliver their babies, drastically reducing maternal and infant mortality rates.
Family planning education and services are empowering women to take control of their reproductive health, leading to healthier families and more sustainable community growth.
This facility is not just a health center but a beacon of hope and transformation for the entire community.