CAREKITS (sanitation and medication treatments) are given to the caretaker and each family. A guide for using the CAREKIT written in Kiswahili is included in each kit. The items are put inside a plastic bag with a zip lock closure. After the CAREKIT is initially given out and explained to the patient and caretaker, home visits continue and supplies are replenished as needed.
Each year the American Imani project provides needed medical care to villagers. With the help of African project volunteers, the American medical teams hold clinics in several different villages each year. The medical clinics are held in churches, schools or other suitable buildings.
The project has so far accomplished and continues to implement:
The significant reduction of deaths from HIV/AIDS or secondary infections
Organization of HIV-positive support groups in Masheheni and Sabaki villages that currently has 15 HIV+ individuals coming together each month to support one another, and to receive continuing education on HIV/AIDS
Collaboration with the Kenyan Red Cross to provide transportation to Malindi District Hospital, and to provide services to HIV-positive individuals
Reduction in the stigma surrounding AIDS, as evidenced by increasing numbers of villagers being tested, as well as greater participation in the HIV-positive support groups
The “Maternal and Child Health Program” was also registered with the Kenyan Department of Social and Health Services and became an official subcommittee of the Imani Project, with the goal and activity statement for the committee issued by the Kenyan government including education, family planning, and the provision of health care, and general support for orphaned and other needy children.
This program has focused on two specific areas of need so far, diarrheal disease and basic first aid and hygiene. This need was addressed by training the African Imani Project volunteers by providing them with comprehensive information about diarrheal disease. The Maternal and Child Health program will focus on other health issues in the coming years, including burn care and mother/children transmission of the AIDS virus.
