AmeriCares Emergency Response in Kenya

The violence in Kenya continues to escalate over the disputed results from the December elections.  Outbreaks of fighting continue to threaten communities, forcing hundreds of thousands to flee their homes throughout the country, including the capital city of Nairobi and the Rift Valley region.

In order to respond to the health care needs during the ongoing conflict, AmeriCares has sent 6,000 pounds of medicines and medical supplies to Kenya.  The latest reports indicate that over 850 people have been killed and over 300,000 have been displaced as a result, with approximately 200,000 living in organized camps.  The emergency response shipment arrived safely and was distributed by AmeriCares Emergency Response Manager Jonathan Hodgdon to our health care partner in Kenya.

The shipment included antibiotics, topical antiseptics, a variety of analgesics and medical supplies, including critical intravenous solutions, in order to provide treatment and protection from disease outbreaks in the displaced communities. During his visit, Hodgdon reported that the most common ailments in the camps were diarrhea, respiratory tract infections, malaria, trauma and injuries sustained during outbreaks of fighting.

In addition to ensuring the safe delivery or our medicines, Jonathan spent the week in Kenya visiting refugee camps in the Rift Valley in order to meet with other aid organizations and assess further health care needs of the communities affected by the continuing violence. AmeriCares is in the process of preparing a second shipment in response to the ongoing health care needs of the displaced populations.

Read Jonathan Hodgdon’s Journal from Kenya >>