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A report of all the activities that were planned and executed to celebrate the first International Day to End Obstetric Fistula in Kenya that was marked at the Memorial grounds, MTRH; Eldoret East District, Uasin Gishu County on the 23rd of May, 2013.
DHMT ELDORET EAST moheldoreteast@yahoo.com
[Type the phone number] [Type the fax number]
Introduction
A decision to hold a commemoration of the international day to
end obstetric fistula was made in DRH and Uasin Gishu County
was chosen to host the national event.
Consequently, DRH dispatched Mrs. Elizabeth Washika (RH
Project Officer) to brief the CHMT, DHMT & MTRH on the same.
Objectives:
1. Commemorate the international day to end obstetric fistula.
2. Sensitize all stakeholders
3. Hold a free fistula camp at MTRH
Preplanning:
On 13/5/2013 a meeting was held at the DMOH’s office with the
presence of the RH project officer. (Attach Minutes)
A briefing was then done at the County DMS’ office on the same
day. The director was then of the view that we come up with a
programme, a budget, plan daily activities to culminate on
23/5/2013 and do invitation letters.
Quality of the planning process
Several meetings were then held at the DMOH’s office, MTRH’s
board room and at the County Director’s office and resolutions
made as per the attached minutes.
Due to the short notice given to hold the celebrations in UG
County, the planning process was rushed to beat the deadline
compromising the quality of deliberations in the DHMT meetings
that led to several oversights that would later affect the activity.
Social mobilization
Appropriateness
On 18/5/2013, radio announcements were made through Kass
F.M, Sayare F.M and Fish F.M in Swahili and Kalenjin dialects.
The MTRH team dispatched the PRO department to all churches
with the same message. The use of the vernacular radio stations
was appropriate as it reached a critical mass of the populace
owing to the number of calls received from Kenyans making
enquiries and seeking clarifications.
Two county leaders stakeholders meetings were also done and a
consultant OBSGYN (Dr. Chirchir) did a radio live show in a
Kalenjin radio station(KASS F.M.)
Quality
The quality of social mobilization was very good; the use of
radio announcements, churches and a road show had a net
effect of reaching a critical mass of the population. IEC
materials used had a clear message that the people clearly
understood i.e. brochures, banners and T-shirts.
60 HCWs were sensitized on recognition of OF, diagnosis,
treatment, referral and rehabilitation of OF patients.
Coordination
The activity was coordinated by the DHMT Eldoret east
district with the support of the county Director of Health
services and his team. The focal persons were:
Dr. Chirchir A. K - MTRH
Dr. Okumu - UNFPA
Dr. Kuria S. - DRH
Dr. Okoro Dan - UNFPA
Mr. Mely K. S - DRH – co Eld East.
The main mode of communication for the focal persons was
through phone calls and Emails.
Logistics
Timeliness and adequacy
The disbursement of funds took so long, most of the time
holding the DHMT at ransom. Indeed the funds were
received just 48 hours to the event.
The delay resulted in the late acquisition of the relevant
logistics and services, seriously straining the organizers.
Coordination
The logistics were coordinated by the DMOH Eldoret east
with the assistance of the DHMT members. It is important
to note that the two DRH – co from Eldoret west and
Wareng districts were involved in the exercise.
Launch
Coordination:
Flow of information
During the celebrations, ushers were placed in specific
sites to receive and direct visitors to their respective
designated sitting places. The master of ceremony did
also play a key role in guiding the proceedings based on
the day’s program provided. Protocol issues were taken
care of by the MTRH’s Public Relations Officer.
Transport and communication
The movement of the DHMT was largely confined to the
government provided means of transport; members
communicated using their own cell phones using airtime
provided for the exercise.
Decision making and execution
Decisions were made by the DHMT and executed by
delegated officers.
Availability of supplies at the venue
All the budgeted supplies were availed at the venue i.e.
sodas and water. Lunch was however served at the Hotel
Comfy for the invited guests only.
Challenges
- A short notice given for the preparation of the event
- Delayed disbursement of funds
- Lack of capacity by HCWs to diagnose OF.
- Use of MTRH as an entry point to the DHMT as opposed to
the partner working directly with the DHMT.
Lessons Learnt.
- There exists a critical mass of Kenyans suffering silently with
OF.
- There is a resilient work force both in MTRH & MOH who are
ready to work hard to alleviate suffering.
- A concerted effort is needed by both the ministry of Health
and partners to not just reach those in need of treatment and
surgery but to also curb the occurrence of OF’s and
Unnecessary perineal tears.
Recommendations
- The free screening, treatment and surgeries for OF’s should
be sustained at the MTRH. UNFPA should be encouraged to
continue funding the activity; in their absence another
partner be urgently sought to keep the momentum already
gathered. Consequently, DRH should recommend to the
State the need of including free treatment of obstetric
complications in the new free maternity services policy to be
implemented in the next financial year.
- The diagnosis, treatment and surgical management of OF be
incorporated in the existing curriculum for training HCWs on
EMoNC by DRH.
- A lot of capital intensive trainings, procurement of RH
equipments and facilitative support supervision are needed
to build capacity of staff in levels 2, 3 & 4 to provide
Emergency Obstetric Care; a uniform DRH approved
curriculum should be used in line with the National RH
Policy.
- A functional referral system should be put in place to avoid
the second and third delays; to address the first delay,
effective community maternal health programmes should be
put in place through the existing community strategy units.
PICTURE SPEAK
The Coca Cola comedians lead the procession.
Health workers lead a procession to the venue
The MTRH choir performs during the event
Members of the public follow the proceedings
A fistula survivor narrates her ordeal
Dr. A. K. Chirchir, a Fistula surgeon and HOD – RH (MTRH)
making his remarks.
Dr. J. SONGA (U.G County Director of Health Services)
makes his remarks.
Dr. Kibosia J. (Director MTRH) reading his speech.
Dr. Ali, UNFPA Country representative and Chief Guest
reading his speech
His Excellency the Deputy Governor U.G County reading his
speech
HCWs during the OF Sensitization meeting in Asis Hotel
Mrs. Rose Kogo, RH – co Eldoret West explains a point in
the sensitization meeting
Mrs. Jacinta Kamau (SNO – MTRH) facilitates during the
sensitization meeting
DMOH Eldoret East during the sensitization meeting
Dr. Wanjala (OBSGYN – MTRH) makes his closing remarks
during the sensitization meeting
Dr. SONGA J. (County Director Health Services) officially
closing the sensitization meeting
Acknowledgements
The DHMT Eldoret East District is deeply indebted to the
following people and organizations who made this activity a
success and we wholeheartedly thank them:
1. The UNFPA
2. Coca cola co. Ltd.
3. Dr. John Kibosia, Director MTRH
4. Dr. Jackson Songa, Director of Health Services, Uasin
Gishu County
5. Dr. Shiprha Ndiritu, Deputy Head; DRH
6. Dr. Okumu, RH/HIV/AIDs Specialist, UNFPA
7. Dr. Okoro Dan, Programme officer UNFPA
8. Dr. Ammon K. Chirchir, HOD – RH, MTRH
9. Mrs. Judith Maua, Project Officer, DRH
10. Mrs. Elizabeth Washika, Project officer, DRH.
The DHMT members of the three districts of UG County are
deeply appreciated for their immense contribution and sacrifice.
Report done by: MELY K. SAMSON
DRH – co
Eldoret East Disrict.