Waiting It Out...
1/26/08 -- If you've kept up with the headlines, you know that Kenya is the midst of a violent struggle following presidential elections in late Decemeber between Mwai Kibaki and rival Raila Odinga. Since that time, nearly 700 people have been killed in ethnic clashes throughout the country. (Click here for the latest news.) NORIREC founder Percia Hutcherson left Kenya earlier this month due to the rising tensions. She said that the town of Eldoret had been virtually shut down with business and road closures. She remains hopeful that her work with NORIREC will continue when the situation improves. She is currently working on the completion of Phases II and III which require the installation of plumbing, furniture and rehabilitative equipment for the facility. Please continue to send your prayers for progress...and peace.
What Is NORIREC?
The North Rift Rehabilitation Centre (NORIREC) is a project of the Diocese of Eldoret ACK serving Western Kenya. It is based on the concept of Community Based Rehabilitation (CBR). The overall aim of the project is to provide community-based physical therapy and rehabilitation to people with disabilities (PWDs) of all ages. NORIREC/CBR is focused on helping PWDs to fully participate in education, economic, social and community development while maintaining their dignity and self-worth. Corrective surgery, treatment and rehabilitation are provided for PWDs and their families.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 7 percent of the world population will have or acquire a disability. In developed countries, including Kenya, less than 3 percent of disabled persons will receive any type of rehabilitation. NORIREC/CBR is a pioneering effort in the North Rift Valley – the largest province in the country – to make rehabilitation services available to those who may otherwise not have them.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 7 percent of the world population will have or acquire a disability. In developed countries, including Kenya, less than 3 percent of disabled persons will receive any type of rehabilitation. NORIREC/CBR is a pioneering effort in the North Rift Valley – the largest province in the country – to make rehabilitation services available to those who may otherwise not have them.
What Does NORIREC Do?
Mobile Clinic:
NORIREC hosts about seven mobile orthopedic clinics throughout the year. Up to 200 PWDs travel to attend each clinic from the entire country and beyond. Approximately 90 percent of those served are children. During the clinics, PWDs are assessed by a medical team of rehabilitation specialists consisting of doctors, therapists and technicians. The team evaluates a range of conditions including cleft palate, club foot, spina bifida, microcephalic and hydrocephalic infants/children, post-polio syndromes, burn deformities and congenital and/or developmental abnormalities. PWDs and their caregivers also receive a variety of social services from nutritional advice to psychological counseling.
Cerebral Palsy Retreat:
The retreats are designed for children who suffer from cerebral palsy or other illnesses that have resulted in brain damage. During the retreat, the children and their caregivers are taught activities of daily living. The retreat experience also provides a support system for families, communities and villages coping with an afflicted child. Retreats are held four times per year at the centre (NORIREC/CBR).
Early Intervention Strategies:
NORIREC/CBR strives to identify newborns and infants who suffer from various physical limitations. Parents are advised to seek corrective measures as soon as a problem is detected. For example, the centre has launched a Club Foot program to treat children before the age of two. Children are treated with manipulation, casting and necessary appropriate follow-up care.
Community Outreach:
Health workers from NORIREC/CBR are dispatched to rural villages on a regular basis to follow-up with PWDs after a clinic has been completed. The workers monitor the recovery and status of each child to ensure continuity of care in the child’s home environment. They also assist in scheduling appointments and facilitate transportation to and from clinical visits. This aspect of care is a critical component of the treatment process to optimize results.
Educational Programs:
Staff organizes and participates in numerous workshops within the community to educate residents about PWDs. Individualized instruction is provided to PWDs and their caregivers about rehabilitation and maintenance of care. Staff also delivers presentations at community meetings to inform villagers about PWDs and to change misconceptions and traditional beliefs about PWDs.
NORIREC hosts about seven mobile orthopedic clinics throughout the year. Up to 200 PWDs travel to attend each clinic from the entire country and beyond. Approximately 90 percent of those served are children. During the clinics, PWDs are assessed by a medical team of rehabilitation specialists consisting of doctors, therapists and technicians. The team evaluates a range of conditions including cleft palate, club foot, spina bifida, microcephalic and hydrocephalic infants/children, post-polio syndromes, burn deformities and congenital and/or developmental abnormalities. PWDs and their caregivers also receive a variety of social services from nutritional advice to psychological counseling.
Cerebral Palsy Retreat:
The retreats are designed for children who suffer from cerebral palsy or other illnesses that have resulted in brain damage. During the retreat, the children and their caregivers are taught activities of daily living. The retreat experience also provides a support system for families, communities and villages coping with an afflicted child. Retreats are held four times per year at the centre (NORIREC/CBR).
Early Intervention Strategies:
NORIREC/CBR strives to identify newborns and infants who suffer from various physical limitations. Parents are advised to seek corrective measures as soon as a problem is detected. For example, the centre has launched a Club Foot program to treat children before the age of two. Children are treated with manipulation, casting and necessary appropriate follow-up care.
Community Outreach:
Health workers from NORIREC/CBR are dispatched to rural villages on a regular basis to follow-up with PWDs after a clinic has been completed. The workers monitor the recovery and status of each child to ensure continuity of care in the child’s home environment. They also assist in scheduling appointments and facilitate transportation to and from clinical visits. This aspect of care is a critical component of the treatment process to optimize results.
Educational Programs:
Staff organizes and participates in numerous workshops within the community to educate residents about PWDs. Individualized instruction is provided to PWDs and their caregivers about rehabilitation and maintenance of care. Staff also delivers presentations at community meetings to inform villagers about PWDs and to change misconceptions and traditional beliefs about PWDs.
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