The goal was not only to offer solidarity but also to raise awareness among the people of the Malindi hinterland about the importance of getting medical checkups and seeking treatment when necessary, by providing free services to those who cannot afford private healthcare, as well as free medication.
This initiative was organized by the non-profit organization ODV Karibuni Onlus last Thursday, in collaboration with the Kenya Clinical Officers Association (KCOA) of Kilifi County. In the presence of Karibuni’s president, Gianfranco Ranieri, and that of the KCOA, Moses Matole—who himself earned his degree thanks to the organization—a full day of activities began at 8 a.m. in the village of Baolala, on the road to Tsavo.

A team of forty healthcare workers and volunteer doctors set up a clinic, widely publicized mainly in Swahili, which was attended by many local residents who are already familiar with the Italian volunteer organization due to its years of work in Langobaya and the surrounding area. Four stations were set up for distributing medication following the doctors’ examinations and diagnoses. With so many villagers coming for check-ups—likely for the first time in their lives—including many elderly people who were initially suspicious but later very satisfied and convinced to use the medications to address their health issues. In this way, Karibuni in the Malindi hinterland has for years been synonymous not only with solidarity and inclusion but also with reliability, earning the trust even of the most skeptical.

The quality of many projects, especially in the health sector where the Italian organization has recently focused its efforts, is recognized even beyond its immediate area of operation. It is no coincidence that health officials from Kilifi County were also present, with some of the leaders expressing interest in the Italian NGO’s projects and requesting a meeting to collaborate on some of them, such as the project for mothers aimed at preventing birth-related disabilities, which, thanks to Karibuni’s intervention—including screening and preventive care—have been drastically reduced.
“Karibuni’s spirit is to continue fostering genuine cooperation between Italy and Kenya that primarily benefits the most disadvantaged populations,” commented Ranieri, “and we believe this is the right path to pursue.”