Kenya’s poor are largely excluded from the healthcare system with up to 80% of the unable to afford private healthcare and 20% also unable to afford public health charges. MURUDEF believes that healthcare is a fundamental building block to sustainable human development and emphasizes equitable basic healthcare that is affordable, flexible and relevant to targeted groups.

Issues Malaria, HIV/AIDS and malnutrition are the three main causes of mortality in Kenya and also serve to underscore the underlying cycle of poverty that affects and perpetuates these diseases. Many primary caregivers are unable to provide adequate nutrition to their dependants, nor afford the cost of malaria medications. Without adequate education and information surrounding health issues such as malaria and HIV/AIDS these diseases are often untreated increasing the poverty of the community due to lack of available caregivers, workers and a drop in school attendance due to illness.

Services MURUDEF is committed to healthcare as a fundamental building block to sustainable human

development. By advocating equitable basic healthcare that is affordable, flexible and relevant MURUDEF aims

to not only reduce mortality rates in Western Kenya but also alleviate the effects these diseases have on

poverty in the area.

Currently MURUDEF target the underprivileged and marginalized population who cannot afford existing

government healthcare. Community health is promoted through awareness, prevention and management

campaigns operated daily from a small donated church space that houses the medical clinic as well as free

medical camps funded by international volunteer health professionals. Those that can afford to cover the costs

of their medicine and treatment are urged to do so and those that are unable are still treated and medicated.

Invoices are often later paid when the family is in a position to do so.

Aims Developing its medical program as funds become available, MURUDEF plans to acquire a permanent structure for the medical clinic as well as providing a mobile healthcare service for those patients that are isolated geographically. Striving to provide adequate and regular drug supplies MURUDEF is also seeking land to begin an income generating project that will provide much needed financial relief to sustain this essential health service as well as provide a small salary to secure the services of a local doctor. Some members of more isolated communities have proposed basic first aid training which will be available in the New Year.

MUMA RURAL - URBAN DEVELOPMENT FOUNDATION Amalemba PO Box 1136 Kakamega Kenya Tel 056 30226