See Us In Action
Explore some of our diverse healthcare programs dedicated to improving the lives of rural communities in Africa through mobile medical clinics, disease eradication, health education, and other innovative initiatives.
Mobile Medical Clinics
CNFA nurses go to a rural area in Kenya and hold mobile medical clinics in various locations throughout Vihiga county.
600 Clients Seen per Day
These clinics see on average 600 people each day and a total of approximately 6000-7000 over a 2-week period.
Canadian & Kenyan Nurses
These clinics are staffed by Canadian nurses along with Kenyan nurses and clinical officers (similar training to physician assistants in Canada).
100% Volunteer
Participating Canadian nurses volunteer their time and fund their own travel expenses. CNFA also pays for hospital fees and surgeries for patients referred to hospital.
Maternal and Newborn Health
CNFA is also dedicated to training Kenyan health care trainers and caregivers, focused on maternal and newborn health (MNH).
Program launched in 2023, based on a pilot project developed with Georgetown University Doctoral Nursing Program.
Provided education to 150 grass root community health promoters (CHPs) in remote villages in Western Kenya
The CHP’s work in the community after receiving a short orientation to the important role they play as the first step in primary care in rural Kenya. They often rely on their own life experience in performing this role. The education is geared on reducing maternal and newborn death rates by educating CHPs on understanding healthy pregnancy and postpartum changes as well as danger signs that indicate a mother or baby requires transportation to the nearest health facility for vital care.
Empowering Local Healthcare Teams
The MNH program is led by Canadian nurses with expertise in maternal-child nursing as well as teaching experience. Closely involved are Kenyan nurse-midwives working at local referral hospitals. These nurses play valuable roles in terms of liaising with the CHPs, explaining key points and clarifying cross-cultural concepts. The team also includes nursing students and the Vihiga County’s Department of Health. In time, the goal is that the program will be run completely by Kenyan healthcare workers.
Other Initiatives
Explore some of our diverse healthcare programs dedicated to improving the lives of rural communities in Africa through mobile medical clinics, disease eradication, health education, and other innovative initiatives.
Jiggers Eradication
The Jigger is a very small sand flea, that burrows into the skin of the host. This causes pain and swelling, and can result in infection. The infections often lead to secondary complications such as gangrene, sepsis, loss of nails, auto-amputation of toes and fingers, and even tetanus. This potentially devastating condition can be successfully treated with the right medications and information, which are offered at no cost to the individuals we treat.
Sexual Health Teaching
Sexual Health Education is an essential component of the work we do in Kenya. Canadian and Kenyan nurses provide education to boys and girls in schools on sexual health, sexually transmitted infection prevention and healthy relationships. Girls are also provided with reusable sanitary pads, which are made in Canada. Condoms are offered to participants in the sessions.
Deworming Program
While in Kenya, our team of nurses visit schools in the area of the clinics in collaboration with the school principal and distribute deworming medication to the school children.
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Reading Glass Distribution
During the clinics, reading glasses are distributed to those in need. Nurses from Canada bring as many reading glasses as possible when they come to Kenya. CNFA accepts donations of good quality non-prescription reading glasses. Please contact CNFA if you
would like to donate glasses. Note that for quality reasons, we do not accept reading glasses from dollar stores.
Motorbike Ambulances
CNFA’s newest initiative is the introduction of specialized motorbike ambulances, comprised of rugged all-terrain motorbikes designed and built to withstand treacherous pathways in remote rural areas to connect village homes to the nearest health facility for immediate care. This is particularly important for pregnant and birthing mothers and their offspring.
Reusable Sanitary Pad Distribution
Young teen girls are provided with reusable sanitary pads which are made by generous donors in Canada. If you would like to sew some of this pads, please contact CNFA for more information concerning specifications of the pads and patterns.
See Us In Action
Learn more about what we do on the ground.
Motorbike Ambulances
Transportation has been identified as one of the major barriers to care in remote areas.
The pilot program will be launched in 2024/25 with the acquisition of two bikes with sidecar platforms for patient transport, along with associated operator training in patient care, vehicle operations and maintenance. Depending on the results of the pilot program, additional vehicles and training will be introduced.