In the Southern Nyanza Province, 1.5 hours drive south of Kisumu, is an area called Kojwach location in the Rachuonyo District. It is located in the interior, around 5 km from the tarmac road. The closest health centre providing healthcare is 13 km away, a 2+ hours walk from Kirongo. For a sick person this distance is far too long.

When Jan Rayner lost her husband, she decided to help the community by building the Ted Rayner Memorial Clinic in Kirongo, to honour his memory. Jan has been working hard to raise funds for the construction of the building, together with help in kind from the community.

The community members of Kojwach surrounding areas are overjoyed to see the construction of the building going ahead and enquire about the completion. In a rural area, stricken with poverty and HIV/AIDS, the Ted Rayner Memorial Clinic will provide the people with services they have had to do without until now.

In addition to Primary Health Care and treatment for the common communicable diseases in the area, including HIV/AIDS, malaria, typhoid, and tuberculosis, the Clinic plans include preventative medical care. This will encompass Pre-natal Care, Post-natal Care, Water and Sanitation and Curative services.

The people of Kojwach area are excited to have access to essential health services and look forward eagerly to the opening. It will initially be staffed by volunteers and CHWs (Community Health Workers) but as it becomes established, pressure will go on the government Health Authorities to provide part-time Doctor/Nurse resources, in line with developments in a sister project. Our aim is a fully equipped and functioning health facility over the next 2 years. As we move into 2012 the building is complete, furniture and equipment is being installed and we are on our way...

Bernard Ouma
Kirongo Project Manager