Hundreds of residents from the Bangladesh informal settlement in Mombasa, Kenya, received much-needed medical care during a two-day outreach organised by Mother Amadea Mission Hospital, with healthcare workers identifying numerous untreated illnesses that had gone undiagnosed for years.
The initiative, held on July 18 and 19, aimed to provide free medical services to one of the city’s most underserved communities, where poverty often prevents families from accessing even basic healthcare.
More Than 1,000 Residents Receive Medical Attention
The medical camp attracted thousands of people seeking treatment, but available resources allowed healthcare workers to attend to 1,140 patients.
Those who were unable to receive care during the outreach were scheduled for free follow-up appointments at Mother Amadea Mission Hospital in Mikindani to ensure they would not be left without treatment.
Medical teams reported overwhelming demand, with some residents arriving as early as 6:30 a.m., well before the clinic officially opened each morning.
Health Screenings Reveal Hidden Medical Conditions
Doctors and nurses uncovered a significant number of previously undiagnosed noncommunicable diseases during the outreach.
Hypertension emerged as one of the most common conditions detected, while healthcare workers also identified elevated blood sugar levels, various skin diseases and several suspected cancer cases requiring further medical evaluation.
Medical Superintendent Dr. Don Maimba Ocholi said many patients were unaware they had chronic illnesses until they underwent screening.
Healthcare workers also found that numerous people who had previously been diagnosed with hypertension or diabetes had stopped taking their medication because of financial hardship and limited family support, prompting medical staff to restart their treatment.
Women Made Up the Majority of Patients
According to Mother Amadea Mission Hospital, women accounted for approximately 63% of those who attended the outreach programme.
Patients received a broad range of services, including general consultations, cervical, breast and prostate cancer screening, dental care, ear, nose and throat treatment, gynecological services, counselling and other specialised medical support.
The camp also treated fungal infections, bacterial illnesses and a variety of dermatological conditions linked to poor sanitation and limited access to clean water within the settlement.
Cancer Screening Highlights Need for Early Detection
Among the 47 residents screened for cancer, doctors identified one patient whose condition was considered highly suspicious and required additional investigation.
Healthcare professionals also discovered several surgical cases needing specialist treatment.
Medical staff stressed that many of these conditions could have been managed more effectively if they had been detected earlier, highlighting the importance of regular health screening within vulnerable communities.
Poverty Continues to Limit Access to Healthcare
Hospital administrators said one of the biggest obstacles facing residents is the inability to afford healthcare services or enrol in Kenya’s national health insurance programme.
Although the required insurance contribution is relatively small, many families living in the settlement cannot afford the payment.
To address this challenge, the Sisters of St. Joseph have pledged to cover the insurance costs for patients requiring urgent surgery, enabling them to access government-funded operations.
Fighting Health Myths Through Community Education
Medical professionals used the outreach not only to provide treatment but also to educate residents about chronic diseases and preventive healthcare.
Dr. Ocholi said many people still believe hypertension affects only older individuals or that diabetes is uncommon among poorer communities.
However, screenings identified cases of high blood pressure in residents as young as 20 years old.
Healthcare workers also encountered patients who believed illnesses were caused by witchcraft rather than medical conditions, underscoring the need for continued public health education.
To improve awareness, Mother Amadea Mission Hospital operates a support group for people living with hypertension, helping members manage their condition while encouraging them to educate others in their communities.
Mission Hospital Responds to Growing Healthcare Needs
Anne Kamau, the hospital’s Director of Nursing, described the Bangladesh settlement as a community where many people postpone seeking treatment until illnesses become critical.
She recalled the case of a diabetic woman who arrived with dangerously high blood sugar levels after remaining without treatment for an extended period.
Because the hospital lacks intensive care facilities, she was referred elsewhere but sadly died shortly after the transfer.
Kamau said experiences like this reinforce the importance of bringing healthcare services directly into underserved communities before medical conditions become life-threatening.
She also welcomed the strong response to mental health counselling and cancer awareness sessions, noting that men in particular showed encouraging interest in prostate cancer screening despite traditionally low participation rates.
Faith-Based Mission Drives Community Outreach
Sister Veronica Wanjiru, administrator of Mother Amadea Mission Hospital, said the outreach reflects the mission of the Congregation of the Sisters of St. Joseph of the Archdiocese of Mombasa to serve poor and vulnerable people.
She explained that many families living in the Bangladesh settlement struggle to access healthcare because of financial challenges and limited knowledge about disease prevention.
The medical camp was organised to bring essential services closer to those who need them most.
Sister Veronica added that residents often turn to mission hospitals even when they cannot afford treatment because they trust they will receive compassionate care.
She said the sisters view their healthcare work as an extension of Christ’s healing ministry, providing not only medical treatment but also hope, dignity and practical support to vulnerable communities.
International Volunteers Joined Local Healthcare Teams
The outreach was supported by several partner organisations, including UCESCO Africa, alongside volunteers from Italy, the United States, South Africa and Japan.
Beyond healthcare, the Sisters of St. Joseph continue to support local communities through education programmes and care initiatives for orphans, destitute individuals and other vulnerable groups, extending their mission beyond hospital walls.
