Save lives in Kenya with stronger trauma care

Thank you for supporting this project and we are delighted to bring you the first report from Beatrice Wambia, Senior Field Officer for Heath.

'Londiani Sub County Hospital is in Kipkelion East and despite its modest size, it serves as a lifeline for many. For years, it has stood as a beacon of hope for the local community, providing essential healthcare services to those in need. However, in recent times, a new challenge has emerged.Trauma, once a lesser-known threat, has now become a grim reality in Londiani. Young men and women, the backbone of many families, are falling victim to road traffic accidents and injuries at an alarming rate. 

Positioned between two busy highways, Total-Kericho and Londiani Muhoroni, the medical facility has become a frontline responder to high speed road traffic accidents. It was amidst this backdrop of escalating trauma cases that tragedy struck on that fateful day, June 30th, 2023. News of the horrific accident at Londiani junction spread like wildfire, capturing the attention of the world. A truck, lost control claiming the lives of 52 people and leaving more than 30 individuals injured.

As the chaos unfolded, Londiani Sub-County Hospital found itself thrust into the spotlight. With its proximity to the scene of the accident, it became the primary destination for the wounded. The hospital staff, overwhelmed by the sheer magnitude of the disaster, worked tirelessly to save lives. Patients, many of them gravely injured, were laid out on the floor of the outpatient area, a makeshift resuscitation space because there was no where else to put them. A glaring reality became apparent – the hospital was ill-prepared to handle such large-scale emergencies.

The incident prompted a collective realisation that the community deserved better – the need to support trauma services at the hospital including training and capacity strengthening for hospital staff and a dedicated space where the critically injured could be assessed and managed.  A service where lives could be saved with dignity. The golden hour, that crucial window of time after a severe injury, needed to be seized with strengthening of trauma services at Londiani Sub-County Hospital.

In October, hospital staff and first responders received training in Early Management of the Trauma Patient following Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) Principles. Train the Trainers courses are planned along with Continous Medical Education Sessions for all health care workers at Londiani Sub-County Hospital.  Training for Community Health Promoters and Boda Boda drivers (local motor bike taxis) and police will also be provided as these people are often the first point of contact in an emergency.

The hospital's management envision a future where the hospital's Covid-19 vaccine centre, no longer in use, will be re-purposed into a dedicated trauma centre. Since early 2023, the Covid-19 vaccine is now distrubted through health clinics along with the HPV and Childhood vaccination services. The vision is clear, and with it comes a commitment to capacity building for the dedicated staff who work tirelessly and stand ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead. They know that the road ahead will not be easy, but they are determined to make a difference – saving one life at a time. Londiani Sub-County Hospital will became a symbol of resilience.'

Thanks to all who supported during the tragedy and are supporting the setting up of the trauma entre and strengthening of vital trauma services.  

If you would like to donate again, the Little x Little campaign is coming up April 8th to 12th when all donations up to $50 will be matched at 50% by GlobalGiving.