The sun had barely risen over the rolling savannah of the Masai Mara, its golden rays casting long shadows on the dew-kissed grass. By 8:00 a.m., the Aitong Health Centre was alive with a buzz of activity. Mothers with babies tied snugly to their backs, elders leaning on walking sticks, and young men and women waited patiently along the clinic corridors. The air was filled with anticipation, hope, and the hum of voices as volunteer doctors and nurses prepared for another day of transformative care.
This was the second morning of the 10th Annual Aitong Free Medical Camp, held from October 29th to 31st, 2024 in Mara North Conservancy. The usually quiet Aitong town had transformed into a hub of hope and healing, as Maasai families some travelling long distances on foot, gathered to address long-standing health concerns.
A Day at the Clinic
Inside the health centre, the waiting area had been converted into a temporary triage zone. Volunteer doctors and nurses moved with purpose and precision as they attended to patients of all ages. In one corner, dentists leaned over patients, carefully extracting painful decayed teeth while murmuring comforting words. Across yet another room, a paediatrician knelt beside a mother and her child, their quiet conversation punctuated by the occasional laughter of a young patient.
In a separate wing, the women’s health section was a hive of activity. Here, women lined up for gynaecological consultations and HPV screenings with thermos-ablation treatments provided on-site for those who tested positive a service many had never accessed before. Among them was Naipanoi, a 34-year-old mother of four, who had walked 15 kilometres to attend the camp.
“This is the first time I have been screened for cervical cancer,” Naipanoi shared her voice a mix of relief and gratitude. “I never thought I would have the chance to do this. It gives me peace of mind to know I am healthy.”
Her story was just one among hundreds that underscored the camp’s profound impact, which extended beyond immediate medical care to empower individuals with critical health knowledge.
Among the patients was 70-year-old Ole Kittetoi, who made the journey to Aitong for the first time in years to address a recurring chest pain. “I feel seen and cared for,” he remarked after his consultation. Meanwhile, 16-year-old Naserian received her first dental treatment, leaving with a radiant smile that symbolized the life-changing impact of the camp.
Making a Difference
Over the three days, 886 patients received medical attention, underscoring the urgent need for such services. The care included general medicine, pediatric care, dental check-ups, and gynaecological consultations. Each consultation represented a story of resilience: a mother seeking relief for her child’s persistent fever, an elder who had walked for hours to have his vitals checked, and a teenager learning about the importance of preventive care. More than 100 people left the dental station with restored smiles and over 170 women expressed relief after receiving their screening results. Since the program’s inception in 2012, the camp has had a total of 7,510 beneficiaries.
A Collaborative Lifeline
The success of the Aitong Free Medical Camp was a result of a steadfast collaboration between Saruni Basecamp, Kicheche Community Trust, Safarilink, and the dedicated team at the CHP Aitong Health Centre. Together, we bridged critical healthcare gaps in this underserved region, bringing life-saving services to those who needed them most.
Since its establishment in 1993, the CHP Aitong Health Centre has been a cornerstone of healthcare in the Mara North region. Though dedicated, the center faces overwhelming challenges including limited funding for operations, inadequate drug supplies, and a lack of specialized medical care. The annual medical camp has become a lifeline, delivering essential health services to the community members addressing these gaps with a range of services that include dental exams, women’s health consultations, pediatric care, general medicine, and screenings for life-threatening conditions like cervical cancer.
Beyond funding and logistical support, Saruni Basecamp actively participated in the camp’s operations. Staff members coordinated volunteer efforts, facilitating smooth transportation for supplies, and engaged directly with the community to ensure the camp’s success. This initiative represents a continuation of our commitment to sustainable tourism and community development.
We not only believe in creating a safari experience that showcases Kenya’s unparalleled beauty but also support initiatives that empower community members who call these places home. Over the years, we have invested in initiatives deeply rooted in sustainable tourism and community development, aiming to create opportunities, foster education, and provide essential healthcare services for these people. Our goal is to protect our shared natural heritage and enhance the lives of local communities, contributing to the sustainable development of the region.
