NORIREC Reaches Out To Community
11/4/07 -- The work of NORIREC continues! During the last week of October, Percia and the NORIREC Staff conducted an outreach campaign in the greater Eldoret community. It was a huge success! Percia says they drew dozens of people throughout the region. She also says that work is progressing on the NORIREC clinic facility. While the exterior construction is complete, they are still working on the indoor plumbing system for the new extension. Percia says the work may have to be extended into next year.
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.
No comments:
Post a Comment