This project was initiated in 1996 in Bomu Parish. Initially 12 volunteers from the parish small Christian Communities, or in Swahili, Jumuiya Ndogo Ndogo, were chosen to become Wahuduma wa Afya (Health Servants). They received training in very basic aspects of health care, disease and medicines. The Wahuduma visit the sick in their respective Jumuiya areas. Usually once a week they are accompanied by a nurse who decides on treatment, referrals and medicines for the sick. All are visited irrespective of creed or ethnicity.

Invariably people with AIDS are found. These people suffer from numerous complaints including diarrhea, coughs and respiratory infections and various skin disorders. The nurses follow these clients more closely providing vitamins and other medicines as the situation warrants. Often the client is referred to other, usually government medical facilities. This is always the case in tuberculosis infections and usually the case with sexually transmitted infections.

The prevalence rates for HIV infections in Kenya is very high. Some estimate the rates in Mombasa to be greater than 20%. Our experience bears this out. Many people suffer terribly. The already limited resources of many families is quickly depleted with recurrent opportunistic infections associated with AIDS. The cost of transport of the dead to home areas is very high. Children are dropping out of school for lack of school fees. The accumulated grief of the mounting death toll has to affect many leading to maladaptive coping behaviors such as increased alcohol and drug abuse. As followers of Jesus the Christ we must respond to this grave situation.

Currently there are more than 100 Wahuduma wa Afya visiting the sick in three parishes. They are supported by five nurses and two counselors. They follow more than 1000 clients in various stages of HIV infection. Many have died and this has affected the Wahuduma. They are called and encouraged to be Christ-like in their service.

The project is supported by funds from the Maryknoll Society and Caritas Germany. This year the program will begin in a fourth parish and it is hoped other parishes can be served in 2001. Long ago the AMECEA Bishops made the development of the Small Christian Communities as a pastoral priority in the region. The current service of the Wahuduma wa Afya highlights the wisdom of this decision.

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Maryknollers in Mombasa, Kenya