I Always Wanted to be a Doctor

“I always wanted to be a doctor. Doctors are people who help others. Since KeNAAM came here and taught us at Ikerege village in Kuria, a lot has changed in my community. Mothers are attending the ANC clinic, people are clearing bushes and the number of malaria deaths has drastically reduced.” Word from Mr. Kerario Wilson Weirema, the chairperson of the Sakuri Community unit in Kiomakebe sub-location, Kuria East, Migori county.

According to Mr. Weirema, the number of people dying malaria has reduced as more people use the ILLNs properly. Contrary to how the nets were earlier perceived due to superstitious believes;

“Some say they cause nightmares and other superstitious believes. The community has embraced the net as a tool for elimination of malaria from their homes,” says Mr. Weirema.

He also adds that at least nine in every 10 at homesteads visited, proper care taken on net usage and also other malaria prevention measures such as clearing the bushes, filling water halls and also creating proper sanitation measures.

“In my village nobody uses the net to fence food crops, or keep the chicken at bay. I work along with the chief to ensure that the nets given are used for the right purpose,” adds Mr. Weirema.

Whilst malaria is high on the agenda, it’s is one measure that the community health workers are involved. The CHWs are also actively involved in training communities on ANC and the importance of mothers attending the clinic.

“Initially very few mothers used flattened the ANC clinics, now a lot has changed after the trainings carried out in the community during Baraza’s and health talk days. True community is more informed. In my village for instance you cannot find a defaulter because I always follow up.

Mr. Weirema though suggests that the trainings should be all inclusive and involve men too. They are a part of the solution to solving the problem. He adds that the reason given for a child being born at home is that the child was born in the night and the parents were afraid of going to the health facility. This he says is why men should also be actively be involved in the ANC training program.

Mr. Weirema appreciates KeNAAM for the work done in Kuria East through Global Fund. He is hopeful that the mission they have undertaken they will sustain it to create healthy and successful Kuria East.