Jali Watoto

Imagine a mother, holding her crying baby in her arms, torn between the need to attend her medical appointment and the lack of childcare options. If they decide to bring their children to an appointment it can often be disruptive and an impediment to quality care. This is all too common at the Lumumba Sub-County Hospital in Kisumu, Kenya, where women often struggle to access the healthcare they need.

During our two-month stay in Kisumu, working on a pilot study for a mobile health app that facilitates HPV screening for cervical cancer prevention, we spoke with Florence Mawere, a research technician at the hospital. She shared with us the barriers women face when seeking reproductive healthcare, particularly the lack of childcare. In Kenya, childcare is solely the responsibility of women in the village, leaving mothers with few options when they need to attend medical appointments.

Inspired by Florence's question, "With all this information, what will you do about it?" we have spent the past 9 months tirelessly working on a solution. Through countless calls, emails, and grant applications, we have developed a plan to establish the Jali Wa Toto childcare center as a pilot program at Lumumba Hospital this summer.

Our goal is to provide a safe and nurturing environment for children while their mothers receive the medical care they need. By collaborating with local partners and volunteers, we aim to create a childcare program that is culturally sensitive and sustainable. However, we cannot do this alone.

We are now reaching out to you, asking for your support in raising the funds needed to pay for the childcare workers who will be the backbone of this program. Your donation, no matter the size, will help us break down the barriers that prevent women from accessing life-saving healthcare services.

Together, we can ensure that no mother has to choose between her health and the well-being of her child. By supporting the Jali Wa Toto childcare center, you can make a tangible difference in the lives of women and children in Kisumu, Kenya. Please join us in this crucial effort to promote reproductive health and empower mothers to take control of their well-being.