Mosquito Nets in Garissa

Garissa, North East Province

Kenya

Canadian Baptist Ministries drought response program in Kenya's North East Province continues amid insecurity as CBM continues to work with local groups and community leaders in supporting vulnerable communities along the Tana River. We wanted to share with you this brief report from our CBM colleague William Wako, who has been living in Garissa and serving this community.

Greetings from Garissa,

After a long drought situation in North Eastern Province, God graciously provided rainfall towards the end of last year. The rainfall was good news to people, the few existing animals and the land that has severely dried up by the long heat. On the other hand the rains also came with challenges, for instance, due to the flooding all the water pans, dams and rivers burst its bucks and rendered some people homeless, besides causing disease outbreak.

Among the areas that are worst affected are the Bakuyu community, next to Iftin location, and Bula Bakari of Korakora location. Both of these communities are the marginalized tribe of Waliwana (Malakote), and they live right at the banks of Tana River. Beside being rendered homeless by the flood, both of the communities suffered from disease outbreak because of poor sanitation. One of the major crises was Malaria breakout because of the pollution and bush environment of the river.

Upon visiting and assessing the situation, CBM established the urgent need of intervention with Mosquito nets to save the lives of children and pregnant mothers who are the most vulnerable group of the community. It was in early December last year, through the organization of Yattani and myself, we distributed mosquito nests for 80 vulnerable families with assistance of community elders and leaders.

Before issuing the mosquito nets we gathered the community and offered training about, ways of treating the nets and how to use it. One month later, I visited the community to assess the impact of the project and found out that the community are not only using the mosquito nets but also treasuring the gift because it was of higher quality than any they have had before. According to Mzee Juma, the use of the nets drastically reduced the spread of malaria particularly among children and pregnant mothers. Similar statement was expressed by Abdulahi of Bula Bakari, who insisted that the quality of that mosquito net was also recommended by public health office from Red Cross who visited them. Also the supply of the mosquito net to this communities help our relationship grow better, that was clear in the way they express themselves.

In addition, the exercise build community trust and confidence with CBM and that we offer quality services. The both community registered their sincere gratitude and appreciation to the Organization for concern and quality service.

Shalom

William

Speaking with William tonight, we expresses his thanks to CBM and for everyone's support that makes such interventions possible. On behalf of our team here in Kenya, thank you for upholding this ministry in your prayers.