By Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Africanews
Published on 2024-01-20 11:57:23
In a tranquil neighborhood in Kenya, Faith Wanjiku, a trained assistant nurse, provides dedicated care to her patient, 85-year-old Teresa Mukhovi, who is battling dementia, hypertension, and diabetes. For the past two years, Teresa’s daughter Petronilla has been her primary caregiver, but the financial burden of conventional hospital care became overwhelming until she found Benacare, a social enterprise that offers affordable home health care in Kenya.
Petronilla Mukhovi shared her experience, expressing her gratitude for Benacare’s assistance in caring for her mother. She noted the high costs of hospital care and the relief she found in Benacare’s affordable services. The organization provided training for Petronilla, equipping her with the skills to care for her mother’s medical needs at home, saving her a significant amount of money.
Benacare’s mission is to make healthcare accessible to low-income families without causing financial strain. The organization provides essential healthcare training, including tasks such as administering medication, monitoring blood pressure, and providing basic care for chronically ill patients. Naom Monari, the CEO of Benacare, explained the organization’s approach of connecting healthcare workers with patients’ homes to deliver cost-effective clinical and supportive care.
Home-based care, particularly in rural areas, offers numerous advantages, as highlighted by healthcare management expert Ashihundu Khayumbi. Patients can avoid the high costs associated with hospital stays and have the opportunity to interact with their relatives while receiving care at home.
The World Health Organization (WHO) reported that in 2022, 5.1% of the Kenyan population spent more than 10% of their household income on healthcare. Benacare’s innovative approach aims to alleviate this financial burden, ensuring that quality healthcare reaches those who need it the most. By providing affordable home health care services and training family members to assist in caring for their loved ones, Benacare is making a tangible difference in the lives of patients and their families.
