CMF Maasai clinic earns award

CMF Medical Consultant Dr. Suzie Snyder recently returned from the board meeting of the CMF Maasai medical clinic system in Kenya with a very encouraging report.

Last year 37,000 patients were given care at the clinics, and 900 AIDS patients are seen every month. About 350 patients receive ARV (antiretroviral) drug treatment for HIV/AIDS from the clinics. But the care offered in the clinics does not stop with testing and medical treatment. In 2008, the Aitong Clinic Voluntary Counseling and Testing (VCT) program received a “First in Nation” award as the best VCT program in Kenya. The program offers counseling to patients both before and after they are tested for HIV/AIDS. Dr. Snyder points out that “most of the VCT counselors are pastors from the Maasai churches who have gone through the nationally recognized training to be credentialed as VCT counselors, so it’s our church leaders, pastors, and elders who are doing the VCT counseling. A great integration of church and clinic ministries!”

Dr. Snyder and her husband Dave Snyder were the former directors of the clinic system, but since their departure from Kenya the clinics have continued as a strong ministry under well-trained national leadership. The clinical staff and administrative support staff are running the clinic system on a daily basis, and two of the Maasai nurses have completed their RN upgrade program and received their degrees last year. The newly formed board is growing and assuming increased responsibility. “Missionaries are stepping back, and the Maasai Christians are stepping forward as the Maasai clinical team continues to provide excellent health care that is recognized throughout the district,” said Dr. Snyder.