Maternal & Child Health (MCH) Clinic Opens

First regional Medical Clinic to provide essential care for Mothers and Children 

In the first world, one has access to medical care and vaccinations close to home.  This contrasts places like Gal Barwaaqo, where basic medical care can be found many hours away, with no access to much-needed vaccines, pediatric care, maternal or prenatal support.  This change occurred in December 2021, and lives are saved for mothers and children when the first new Maternal and Child Healthcare Clinic (MHC) opened for pregnant and nursing mothers and children. 

This is the first in the region, providing an opportunity for vaccinations, and medical care that doesn’t require hours of travel.  This clinic has already vaccinated 250 children and will provide support for pregnancies and deliveries.  Mothers and children who visit the MCH clinic have free medical services and are attended by fully trained nurses and midwives.

The clinic has been created due to the generous donation of Dr. Kevin C Thomas, a General Practice Specialist and the owner of Florence Western Medical Clinic in Los Angeles. Did you know the maternal and child mortality rates for East Africa are amongst the highest in the world?  East Africa ranks fourth in the world (UNICEF) with pediatric deaths under the age of 5 due to lack of medical access.  Due to this donation from Dr. Thomas, mothers and children will be saved through access to vaccinations and essential medical care now local and accessible.

 The challenge

Those who live in nomadic and pastoral communities across the region risk potentially fatal complications during pregnancy.  Every year, nearly 200,000 women who live in underdeveloped communities die from complications that are preventable with medical access.  It is estimated that over 80% of these deaths could be prevented with the availability of hands-on services like the MCH clinic.  Donations such as those from Dr. Kevin C Thomas, will allow for thousands of women to receive support during their pregnancies and deliveries, as well as family planning information after each birth.  In addition, every mother can ensure that her children will receive current vaccinations at the center.

This clinic works to ensure that women can access the health services they need and that young girls can grow up healthy, educated and empowered.  Because of this MHC, women and girls will receive medical care.  This will protect those most vulnerable to ill health in the region, because of contributing factors that include gender inequity, poverty, and sexual and gender-based violence. 

Dr. Kevin C Thomas, Thank you for your contribution to providing essential medical access to mothers and children.  You have saved lives with your contribution.  Because of you, Give to Learn to Grow could provide medical essentials to a community in dire need.