Updates on the Mwanzo Wetu Health Services team!
The Inaugural “Unofficial Intern” Edition of Mwanzo Story Update!
Welcome to AJ’s Intern Edition of Mwanzo Stories, Volume 1! I’m excited for you to discover all the amazing updates occurring in Rabuor. As a community educator with a focus on history, I’ve come to understand the significant benefits of collaborating, and how such partnerships extend their influence well beyond their initial objectives.
As you may recall, some our PNW community members traveled to Rabuor last October. In these “intern” updates, I’ll share snippets of their Mwanzo adventure with you.
Starting off this first edition, allow me to officially introduce the Mwanzo Wetu Health Services team! Read more about them below.
Get to know the Mwanzo Wetu Health Services team!
Dr. Micheal Wambia seen here with a patient, leads the procurement of essential drugs and medical supplies in collaboration with the Wonder Woman of Mwanzo, Nassim Chelimo, while also actively recruiting skilled health personnel to strengthen the clinic’s team. He ensures that the clinic complies with Ministry of Health regulations and builds partnerships with other medical organizations to enhance the quality of services provided. His leadership includes overseeing all clinic programs and maintaining the different pieces that make up Mwanzo’s standards for quality of care.
Nurse Gentrix Kemunto (in blue) brings her expertise and compassion to the team, supporting the smooth operation of the clinic’s programs and ensuring that patients receive quality care. Her medical knowledge adds to the robust skillset present at Mwanzo Wetu Health Services (MWHS). Working alongside her is Rebecca Owino (in red), who plays an essential role in maintaining the clinic's operations. Rebecca is responsible for ensuring that all treatment areas are kept clean and hygienic. She also assists by ushering patients into the clinic, helping with check-in as needed, and carrying out any additional duties assigned by management. Together, Gentrix and Rebecca help create a welcoming, efficient, and caring environment for everyone who comes through the clinic’s doors.
Dr. Wambia, Nurse Gentrix, and Rebecca are supported by Mwanzo’s management.
An Inside Look at the first Med Camp!
Thoughts from Dr. Wesley Van Voorhis
One of the Seattlites who visited Mwanzo during the health clinic's celebration was Dr. Wesley Van Voorhis. Since the Luo people are a very hands-on group, the Health Services staff were eager and excited to have Dr. Wes hop right in during the first med camp!
Sure enough, as you can see, he did not skip on the opportunity to roll up his sleeves. Check out some of his thoughts from jumping cannonball-style into the water.
Dr. Wes on his first thoughts on Mwanzo’s new addition:
"It’s nothing short of a miracle what Loyce Ong’udi has accomplished in Rabuor. It was truly a life-changing visit to see her school, her community center, and now this new health clinic. The health clinic is vital, not just for treating diseases but for providing continuity of care for the community."
Dr. Wes on the scale of need during his visit:
"On the second day in Rabuor, a free clinic was announced, and 400 people showed up. It was humbling to work with outstanding Kenyan doctors to see them all. Many had advanced diseases, some life-threatening, simply because they had no practical access to healthcare. The Mwanzo Health Clinic is committed to changing this reality and giving hope to those who’ve gone without care for too long."
The impact of Mwanzo from his eyes:
"Mwanzo has touched so many lives—from children who now have access to education to widows empowered through sustainable businesses. All of them love and respect Loyce deeply, and they see Mwanzo as a beacon of hope. This clinic represents yet another transformative step in building a healthier, stronger community."
Thanks for the kind words of support, Dr. Wes!
The Pulse of Rabuor and Beyond
On November 22, 2024, the Medical Camp served 98 patients, 17 children, and 81 adults, with diverse diagnoses. During the holiday season, the clinic saw 34 patients in December, an increase from the previous month. Since August, hundreds of individuals have benefited from regular services and two medical camps in 2024 alone! These figures signify not only the increasing trust in Mwanzo's care but also its growing influence in the region, attracting people from up to 30 miles away!
MWHS is dedicated to consistently broadening its services to cater to the community’s varied healthcare requirements. Recently, the clinic proudly announced the addition of an ultrasound machine! This new equipment significantly enhances the available services. With the diagnostic abilities the ultrasound provides, expectant mothers and patients needing internal imaging of their hearts, lungs, livers, or other organs can now receive comprehensive care.
Looking ahead, the clinic is concentrating on further improvements. Thanks to insights gathered from medical camps and an expanding patient list, the MWHS team has been consistently updating the proverbial report card on the health of Rabuor and its surrounding neighbors. Dr. Wambia and the healthcare team have prioritized dental and vision care as top concerns.
What’s Next for Mwanzo Wetu Health Services
The primary goal right now is to get a dental chair and recruit a dentist. As adorable as the little one in the photo above is, he serves as an example of the need to address the long-underserved dental issues facing the community.
As a former stubborn anti-glasses wearer myself, I can attest to the wonders clear vision will do for a person once I stop being hard-headed. But I also can get my stubborn self to the eye doctor. Many in Rabuor and beyond are navigating ailments like one referred to colloquially as “night blindness,” along with astigmatism, glaucoma, cataracts, and more, many times without knowing what is actually going on.
The ability to provide vision and dental care will greatly improve the quality of life of the community members, directly leading to a better Rabuor and all she touches.
“This clinic represents yet another transformative step in building a healthier, stronger community.”
Looking Ahead for the whole community
As Madam Director reminds us, “Talent is universal; opportunities and resources are limited.” Much like the seedling sprouting under the right conditions, the efforts by the people of Rabuor have flourished into something far-reaching. They are now nurturing and building a healthcare system that is propagating across neighboring villages, expanding the commitment to comprehensive, accessible, and high-quality care.
With this unified goal between the Mwanzo team, the people of Rabuor, and beyond, whether it is education with access to nutritionally rich meals or access to medical care steps away the hope of dental and vision care, the 410 students at MWCEA and those outside the walls who come for care, the Mwanzo Wetu Health Services expansion is an exciting next step in the growth for Mwanzo and all who benefit from the work.
With your continued support, we can cultivate these critical services—dental and vision care—and further enhance healthcare for Rabuor and her growing circle of neighbors, ensuring this legacy continues to thrive.
We invite you to join us in this mission—your support, whether through donations, partnerships, or word-of-mouth, makes all the difference.
Together, we can continue to build a healthier future for Rabuor and the surrounding region.
AJ, the “Unofficial Intern,” signing off until next time!