Support Covid-19 vaccine programme in rural Kenya

Thank you so much for donating to this project which is raising funds to support the roll out of the Covid-19 vaccine in Kenya.   This is an update for you on what has been happening over the last number of months.

Kenya received their first vaccine delivery in March 2021 through the global vaccine sharing scheme - Covax.  In August further supplies arrived through Covax and also direct donations from the UK, the USA and other countries.   Right now, less than 3% of adults in Kenya are fully vaccinated - there is a long way to go before we can say that the communities we are working with will be safe from transmission of the virus.

Thanks to your support, our first trainng is happening this week for health care workers in preparation for the vaccine roll out.  We have provided trainings in infection, prevention and control and in sensitising the community about the vaccine in July.   A permanent foundation has been built in the grounds of Londiani sub-county hospital.  This will accommodate a temporary tent structure to serve as a vaccine centre at the hospital.  When that is no longer required, the foundations will be used to build a permanent structure to add to the services provided by the hospital.  We have designed information packs of posters and banners, we are purchasing materials needed such as PPE, cooler boxes for vaccine transport, tents, chairs and tables.  Outreach clinics will be critical to a successful rollout to ensure that everyone has access to the vaccines no matter where they are living.

Damaris Chepkemboi is the Programme and Administration manager with Brighter Communities Worldwide in Kenya.  She says the change the vaccine will bring to the community will be to reduce community transmission, reduce the strain on the health care system allowing time and resources to be available to look after all other illnesses, allow for time and money to be diverted to other health care projects as right now the focus remains on Covid-19 prevention and vaccine information.  Damaris says people are waiting to get back to earning a living as businesses are hugely impacted by restrictions to travel and nightly curfews.  They are looking forward to spending time with family and loved ones especially the elders and to the resumption of  social and workship gatherings.

The pandemic is far from over in Kenya and it won't be until more supplies of the vaccine are made available.  Only then will health and education services have a chance to recover and communities will have the chance to get back to normal and not live in fear of hunger, poverty and sickness as they have done since the pandemic began.

We must keep the pressure on and act now because no one is safe until everyone is safe. Your support makes all the difference and we are so grateful to you for your response.

Little acts of kindess make a big difference and from September 13th to 17th, when you give up to $50 (approx €42) to support this project, GlobalGiving will match your generosity with 50% match funding for the Little by Little campaign.  Please help us to spread the word and share this report with your family and friends - let them know that BIG change can come from little acts of Kindness!