Interventions
Advocacy
Social determinants such as poverty and low levels of education lead to challenges and barriers for those affected by cancer. Yet these inequities can be addressed through targeted policy and programmatic interventions such as universal access to health care services. Recent experiences throughout the developing world as well as developed countries have demonstrated that it is possible to reduce the mortality and morbidity caused by some types of cancers. Innovative approaches can empower the community with knowledge about preventing cancer, to increase access to screening and early diagnosis and for effective treatments. Increased awareness of cancer through communications, information and education programs can help spur innovations in public health programs to empower the public/community to take care of their health. Among the general public, the burden on cancer is increased due to lack of awareness and adequate information about the disease. For example, some people still believe that cancer occurs due to witchcraft or a cultural curse. Some believe that the disease is infectious, exacerbating stigma against patients
a). Tabasamu Cancer Awareness Tour
Through this program we target areas with least or no information about cancer and
advocate for healthy eating to build immunity, and preventive measures through early
screening and detection.
We have managed to reach out to the largest low income urban settlement in Africa
which is Kibra. We have also reached out to the second largest low income urban
settlement in Nairobi which is Korogocho. Other counties in Kenya that we have
reached out are Garissa County, Mombasa County and Kwale county.
b). Teen & Toto Cancer Awareness & Mentorship Program
Curbing cancer at its grassroots level by advocating for early detection needs to reach
all age groups. Under this program we disseminate cancer information to both primary
and high school level. We create awareness on drug abuse and its effects and how it
can be a cancer risk factor. We believe this age is under threat when it comes to drug
abuse and its better they are aware of the dangers. They can also be cancer
ambassadors when they go back home making the information spread widely.
c). Walk of hope & courage
This is usually an annual symbolic event where we create awareness in the streets of
Nairobi city by walking 18km connecting two major informal settlements in East Africa to
symbolize cancer affects all social status in the society. We have 5 stop over points
during the walk which indicate that there are 5 stages of cancer. The blisters and
dehydration that comes with walking the 18kms indicate what cancer patients undergo
during their treatment.
2. SOCIAL WELFARE
a). Tabasamu for Cancer Kids Initiative
An annual event where we visit the cancer Paediatric wards in Kenyatta National
Hospital and spend the day with the children and have fun to put a smile on their faces
a sign that indicates 'a smile a day keeps the cancer fears away'. We usually target the
National Hospital because we get children from different parts of Kenya all under
treatment at the same place.
In 2020 when the global pandemic hit Kenya we targeted a number of children and did
distribution of food hampers and toys in their homes since hospital visits were restricted.
b). Caregivers Empowerment
We support caregivers who are left with nothing after their children pass away through
giving financial support in venturing initiatives they are passionate about to help them
therapeutically as they get busy and also to enable them earn a sustainable income
from the same.
c). Medical Fund drives
We support medical appeals by giving financial support through online fund drives using
social media platforms to make sure that no child in our records miss a session of
his/her treatment. This way we easen the financial burden that comes with cancer living
up to our mantra 'NO ONE FIGHTS ALONE'.
Under this program, we have managed to indicate that early interventions which include
proper diagnosis and immediate start of treatment of cancer might save a life. This is
not all, we have managed to indicate that proper use of current technology herein being
social media can be used to change lives. Proper use of social media can be a safe
space for all if utilized in the right way.
d). Education
Having supported individuals, children and families suffering from cancer, we have
observed how desperate and destitute a family becomes as they struggle with
supporting the patient. This situation leaves a family poor to afford a living and
education in most cases becomes neglected.
Children in a family that has a cancer patient or children suffering from cancer are
forced to drop out of school to concentrate on treatment or fundraising for the member
of the family suffering. This situation ends up jeopardising education which in turn
means that their future is at risk.
It is with this background that birthed the sponsorship program dubbed, “Nishikilie
education sponsorship programme” to ensure that students affected by cancer
directly or indirectly get education support to enable them continue with their education.
e). Mama Tabasamu na NHIF
More than often, mothers carry the burden of a family. More so, when the burden
involves terminal sickness. Our experience with children suffering from cancer over the
last five years has shown that the little support given to a mother with a sick child solves
so many problems in that specific family.
With the National insurance health cover paying a bigger percentage of the hospital bills
in public health facilities, this initiative was birthed to assist in paying annual NHIF
Premiums to families affected by childhood types of cancers and struggling to pay even
the monthly subscriptions.
3). EMERGENCY RESPONSE PROGRAM (ERP)
a). Covid 19 Response Water Tank Installation & Quartely Re-fill Location - Rajab Centre, Makomboani Village - Kilifi County
According to the latest data by UNICEF,
only 3 out of 5 people worldwide have basic handwashing facilities. Handwashing with
soap, when done correctly, is critical in the fight against the novel coronavirus disease
but millions of people have no ready access to a place to wash their hands.
Well, Rajab Centre Orphanage, a home/rescue centre located in Makomboani Village in
Kaloleni, Kilifi County were part of these statistics. They walked close to 5 KM to fetch
water in Jerricans which made it difficult for them to stay indoors during this pandemic.
We, the Fadlcarda Leukemia Foundation with health and children being part of our
objectives we embarked on a mission to make a difference in the fight against this
pandemic COVID 19. Through support from various social media, we managed to
Purchase two water storage tanks with a capacity to hold 10,000 litres of water each for
their daily needs/consumption.
We also do make sure to re-fill it with fresh and clean water 6 – 7 times annually.
b). Covid 19 Response Relief Food Distribution Location - Dumpsite, Mayungu Village - Kilifi County
When covid 19 cases were rising in Major towns of Kenya and ceassation of movement
was declared by the president in Kilifi, Mombasa and Nairobi as a way of containing the
virus.
County governments embarked on distribution of relief foods to less priviledged people
and those who were vulnerable to the virus.
Mayungu village in Malindi town Kilifi county is the major dumpsite in the area and the
inhabitants are named ‘chokoras’ as they depended on the dumpsite as their major
source of food hence felt neglected as part of the needy in the society mostly shunned
away. We supported the initiative which was spearheaded by a Medical Doctor in
Malindi Dr. Salma Naji and raised 0.4M towards the initiative dubbed ‘Mayungu & Me
Initiative’.