Kalokol – 28th March 2025 (Public Communications and Media Relations)
Caregivers, in Kalokol and Kangatotha wards of Turkana Central Sub-county, have trained on therapeutic exercises and other caring skills to provide home-based care to their children living with disabilities.
The five-day outreach, conducted in collaboration with CBM Global through the Turkana Pastoralists Development Organisation (TUPADO), targeted 80 children. The “Turkana Inclusive livelihoods and Resilience” program aims to provide community-based care for children with disabilities and support for their caregivers.
During the outreach, caregivers and children received growth monitoring, supplementation, nutrition support, nutrition education, and counseling services.
The Rehabilitative Services Focal Person, Concepta Long’ole, emphasized the need for additional community sensitisation, as some of the children had never received medical care while others could still be hidden.
“Early intervention and training of caregivers and parents in home programs, along with continuous follow-ups, ensure that children with disabilities achieve a better quality of life,” she said.
She added that nutritional support and referrals for corrective surgeries were identified as the areas of immediate focus. Thirteen children were referred for the surgeries.
The nutrition education and counselling and screening, conducted by Josephine Kasile – the Turkana Sub-county Nutritionist, showed that additional sensitized was required. Out of the 46 children screened, both under and over five years old, 17 were categorized as severely malnourished, while 22 were moderately malnourished.
The disabilities identified included cerebral palsy, down syndrome, osteogenesis imperfecta, leg length discrepancies, hydrocephalus, epilepsy/convulsions, malnutrition, and delayed milestones.
The caregivers received training in developmental skills, therapeutic exercises, muscle and joint manipulations, splinting and casting, and also included was the fabrication of assistive devices.
Two-year-old Naomi, born with down syndrome, had never been able to walk. Her mother, Abei Nabara of Nakikobo Village, shared that after receiving therapeutic exercises at the outreach, the toddler was able to stand on her own and take steps while holding onto objects.
“She used to sit all the time, but now her legs are stronger. I have been taught the massages to give her every morning and evening,” said Abei.
She expressed her gratitude to the county and its partners for bringing these services closer to the community.
Apuu Ekachapan of Napetet Village, mother to six-year-old Michael, said he was unable to walk and had paralysis in one hand. However, after attending the outreach, he was able to grip objects and stand on his own, albeit even a few moments.
She urged the county and its partners to expand the outreach programs across the county, as many caregivers are in similar situations.
The outreach team included occupational therapists, physiotherapists, orthopedic technologists, sub-county nutritionists, and representatives from TUPADO.
