Children at Swabur children’s home enjoying bananas and apples supplied by the Kenya Red Cross Society, Mombasa branch in conjunction with OrphanAid Ke. (Photo/Maxwell)
The Kenya Red Cross Society Mombasa branch has launched a nutritional programme in various children homes and orphanages in the county after an outbreak of Chikungunya disease.
Chikungunya is a disease caused by a specific breed of mosquito where the affected experiences severe pains in the joints, serious headache and weight loss and it becomes more severe in children.
The Kenya Red Cross Welfare officer Mr. Rafik Rauf said that the visits which started on Sunday will be conducted in various orphanages and children homes in the county and is supported by the OrphanAid Ke, a Non- governmental organization focusing on the well being of orphans in the country.
Rauf said that Bananas and apples will be supplied to various children homes and orphanages within the county, a program that will majorly rely on donors and well wishers contributions.
He said that apart from the supply of Bananas and apples, the Humanitarian organization will also provide health awareness to the children and their care givers as well as assist them understand preventive measures and seek right medical attention once they experience related symptoms.
“At Swabur children’s home, 10 children were affected by the disease and two of them are still admitted, while at Tabarak orphanage, three children are victims of Chikungunya disease,” he said.
Rauf said that Kenya Red Cross blood focal Officer Ben Ekaka provided health awareness during the visits and he focused more on preventive measures and treatment of the disease.
“Most children affected by Chikungunya disease lost weight and appetite and we are supplying fruits to restore their healthy being,” he added.
Iptisam orphanage and Little sister old age home are among the beneficiaries of the ‘Banana drive programme’.
Chikungunya, a word originated from the Makonde community in Pemba, Tanzania means ‘squatting’ following severe pains in the joints after one is affected by Chikungunya disease.