Through a partnership between the Kenya Ministry of Health, the Ronald McDonald House Charities, and Impact Global Health Alliance Global, the KIKOP project was developed to reach women and children in Kenya. This name is an acronym in Swahili that means: “Taking care of our mothers by helping them deliver their babies safely.”
Similar to Impact Global Health Alliance Guatemala’s Casa Materna Program, Kenya’s KIKOP program has established a Community Birth Centre in Kissi County in hopes of reducing the high maternal and child mortality rates present there. Our KIKOP team is made up of extremely dedicated and inspiring public health workers. Below are short bios to introduce you to some of these amazing people.
Anne Kerubo
Anne Kerubo is KIKOP’s Community Support Supervisor. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Social Science from Makerere University and is currently pursuing a Master’s in Public Health. She has experience in child rehabilitation, HIV/AIDS testing, malaria alleviation, and autism awareness. Kerubo says that, “Since childhood I have been drawn to community activities and with time sensed my passion of working for the community.” She is looking forward to work in a dynamic and challenging environment that will enable her to utilize her strength in interpersonal skills. When asked what makes her most unique attribute is, Kerubo said, “My most unique attribute is passion. I believe without passion for what I am doing it is not possible to perform my job. I am a passionate caregiver and I like to help people out when they need me.” She enjoys working with women and children and finds it rewarding to know that her work has reduced maternal and child deaths.
Janet Ondieki
Janet Ondieki is a Project Assistant for KIKOP. She has a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Health from Kenyatta University, and is currently pursuing a Master’s of Science in Environmental Health. She has a strong interest in public health, especially in the realms of sexual/reproductive health, and water sanitation. Ondieki describes herself as a highly-motivated individual with strong leadership, inter-personal, and problem solving skills. She aspires to be professional health researcher, and believes she can achieve this aspiration through working with the KIKIP project. When asked what attracted her to KIKOP’s work, Ondieki said, “Having been brought up in a very rural setting and seeing the problems that women and children face, I have always desired to be in a position to help them…knowing that this work is going to improve the lives of women and children delights my heart so much.”
Bethsheba Moraa
Bethsheba Moraa is one of KIKOP’s Field Officers. She has a diploma in Social Work and Community Development from Rift Valley Institute of Science and Technology. She has experience in social work, HIV/AIDS testing, and outreach to community services for cervical and breast cancer scans. Through her experience as a community social worker, Moraa has been able to develop strong problem-solving and inter-personal skills. As a Field Officer for KIKOP, Moraa hopes to be committed to any work task that is given, and ultimately become a better health researcher and consultant. When asked what she enjoys and finds most rewarding about her work with KIKOP, Moraa said, “What I enjoy most is holding meetings with community members where they feel free telling us their problems and we figure out how to help them.”
Caroline Adera
Caroline Adera is one of KIKOP’s Field Officers. She has a diploma in Community Health and HIV Management from Kisii University, in addition to a certificate in HIV Testing Services from the National AIDS and STI Control Program. She has experience in HIV/AIDS counseling, and antenatal/family planning services. Adera says she is “a firm believer in result oriented positive thinking and the benefits of endeavoring to bring the best out of every member in a team.” She says the drive and passion behind KIKOP’s mission to be useful in the community attracted her to the project. Adera’s professional goal is “to serve at the cutting edge of knowledge in the field of community health,” and would like to one day serve at the head of community health project.
Nyakundi Douglas
Nyakundi Douglas is one of KIKOP’s Field Officers. He has a Bachelor of Science in Public Health and Environmental Health Sciences from Kenya Medical Training College. He has experience as a field officer for multiple community sanitation programs that increased latrine coverage/usage, and hand-washing education. Douglas was attracted to KIKOP’s project because of its aim at improving maternal and child health, and the project’s constant interaction with the community. Douglas describes himself as an outgoing and social person, and believes his extroverted nature will help him “link up well with the community to help KIKOP give good results at the end of the day.”
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