Cologne pediatrician saves life in Kenya: Help on site makes the difference!

Cologne pediatrician saves life in Kenya: Help on site makes the difference!

Athi River, Kenia - The pediatrician Helena Sauter from Cologne is involved in an aid project in Athi River, Kenya. Your work with the "German Doctors" aims to improve medical care in this region. Athi River, the city named after the river of the same name, quickly grows due to its proximity to Nairobi and the associated industrialization. Around 70,000 people live in the surrounding slums, where access to basic health services and hygienic conditions is severely restricted. Many residents are poorly paid day laborers, live in simple corrugated iron and clay buildings and have little access to water and electricity.

Helena Sauter was part of the medical team for six weeks, which five years ago built the medical center in Athi River with a sustainable approach. Between 50 and 100 patients come for treatment every day because active medical help is required. The station has treatment rooms, a small laboratory and an emergency room. Frequent health problems are respiratory diseases that are favored by the poor air quality - caused by dust and factory exhaust gas. According to the Swiss Doctors , about 80 percent of patients suffer from these diseases. In addition, gastrointestinal infections are widespread due to unsanitary conditions, which in turn affects children who are often affected by malnutrition and diseases such as tuberculosis and HIV.

sustainable support and education

The project relies on sustainable help. Materials for the outpatient clinic are covered locally and training courses for local forces are offered. This support enables better and long -term medical care. It is also particularly important to clarify the population by interpreters as well as nutritional advice and cooking courses that are part of the offer of help.

Helena Sauter, however, observes the increasing number of HIV infections in the region, especially after the support of support from USAID aid programs. She emphasizes that the health situation of the population could remain critical without a secure medication. Her hope lies in motivation and respectful dealings in the team on site, which gives her the strength to continue to help in Athi River.