Accessible Medical Care for People Living with HIV/AIDS
Largely due to the strong initiative shown by RVP in cooperation with nearby Chulaimbo Health Center to address village health needs, the hospital was selected in 2005 as a project site for the AMPATH program. Chulaimbo serves Rabuor as well as several other surrounding villages. AMPATH provides free AIDS drugs including antiretrovirals, agricultural assistance, hospital personnel and equipment, as well as other forms of support to help communities provide care for people living with HIV/AIDS. AMPATH is a joint partnership between U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), University of Indiana, and Moi University (Kenya).

Community Health Initiative
In 2005, the Village Health Committee (VHC) was formed consisting of 15 members from Rabuor and surrounding communities. The goals of the VHC are: to foster local health awareness, build accessible medical services, and foster positive behavior change in the community.

Working in partnership with Chulaimbo Hospital, the VHC oversaw the training of 50 men and women during 3 phases of Community Health Worker (CHW) training that concluded in 2006. CHWs are trained in basic health and community development, health teaching skills, and pharmacy assistance. In addition, two pharmacy attendants and three Rabuor Youth Group members received further training in home-based care for people living with HIV/AIDS.

Since receiving their training, the CHWs are planning a number of health initiatives to increase awareness of common illnesses among local residents. The first two initiatives being undertaken are an HIV/AIDS awareness campaign targeted at local youths and a community education campaign addressing proper water sanitation and the elimination of waterborne diseases and mosquitoes.

To assist the CHW's in getting around the village, we are currently seeking donations that will allow us to purchase bicycles. If you are interested in purchasing a bicycle to support the work of CHWs, click here for more information on how to donate to RVP.

Village Pharmacy
The most recent project of the Village Health Committee is the establishment of a full-time village pharmacy. The Rabuor Pharmacy is housed in the nursery school compound and is staffed by two dedicated volunteers who dispense medicines, health advice and referrals to the local hospital. The pharmacy is fully stocked with a variety of medicines for common ailments as well as mosquito nets and condoms. It also serves as the point-of-care for the nursery school, and is where the students receive regularly scheduled de-worming treatments, as well treatment for mild health problems and referrals for more serious conditions.

Looking Ahead...
Plans are now underway to establish the Rabuor Pharmacy as an official Ministry of Health (MOH) Dispensary. Once the pharmacy receives this designation, the MOH will supply some types of medicines and other supplies to the Dispensary free of charge. RVP is also working with Chulaimbo Hospital to begin offering a regularly scheduled mobile Voluntary HIV Counseling and Testing (VCT) site at Rabuor Pharmacy. Once this is in place, residents will be able to receive free, confidential counseling and testing for HIV, an important entry point for receiving HIV care and treatment and preventing the spread of HIV from mother to child.

Water
With help from Rotary (NE and Edmonds, Washington clubs), University Congregational UCC (Seattle), and Kenya-based NGO KWAHO, a well was drilled in 2004 in Rabuor and is now a vital source of clean water for consumption and agriculture. This is currently the only "improved" water source available free of cost to Rabuor villagers. Plans are also underway to develop a large-scale water distribution system that will provide easier access for household and agricultural use throughout the community. Construction of this water system is planned for 2007.

After the construction of the well, RVP committed itself to securing additional sources of potable water for the community. Due to severe drought conditions throughout Kenya, the well that was drilled in 2004 could not fully meet local needs. To address this shortfall, RVP purchased eight, 3,200 liter cisterns for the village. When the cisterns become empty due to lack of rain, they are filled with water brought in by truck to ensure a consistent, safe water supply. This is considered a temporary solution until the new water system is constructed in 2007.

Click here to support the ongoing activities of Rabuor Village Project

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Updated October 2006