Funds to Support Children Requiring Surgery
The Disability Service Programme is a grassroots, community based organization focused on the care and treatment of people living with disabilities in rural, western Kenya. It does not have the resources to perform surgeries, however by partnering with other local groups it is able to coordinate the delivery of surgical care to clients that are in the greatest need.Several times a year, surgeons from Nairobi (and occasionally internationally) will fly-in to remote community hospitals and volunteer their services for a period of several days. Although the surgeon is volunteering their services, there are many additional costs: nursing care, materials (drugs, plaster, bandages, etc.), hospital stay during recovery and transportation that are he responsibility of the client.
Our experience shows that on average, these costs add up to an additonal $500 (CDN) that the client and their family is required to pay. This amount exceeds the yearly family income for most of our clients. Without outside financial help - surgical intervention would simply be impossible.
Funds to Make Basic Equipment
Buying local materials assists community members in developing sustainable income and provides employment for disabled people who learn to make and service their own equipment. Donated equipment is not locally serviceable and often is not suitable for the rural environment.
