Osteopathic Expedition to Kenya against FGM

Hello Dear Patients, Friends and Colleagues .

I am Juliana Hounsfield, Osteopath with a specialist interest in woman’s health. I am passionate about caring for those in need and those unable to gain access to any health provision. I have worked with asylum seekers and refugees in Bristol, where I live and this has increased my wish to provide care in some of the communities where some of my patients originate. As an Osteopath I have known about Nav Matharu and the incredible work of the Divinity Foundation for many years and now it is my turn to join this amazing medical expedition in Kenya, in just a few weeks time, to help 3000 woman and children in 5 locations for 2 weeks.

the aim of the Divinity Foundation is :

-to provide healthcare and support to impoverished children and their mothers.

-to give children protection and a nurturing home and safe environment in case they are threatened.

-to provide basic literacy education and vocal training to children and adults.

-to provide holistic sports and music therapies to children who have suffered trauma

-to take a stand in spreading awareness of forms of child abuse and offering support to victims

I will be joining the humanitarian medical expedition this September. The team consists of Osteopaths, nurses, midwife, doctor and helpers. There are 30 of us in total. We will travel daily to new locations within Kenya. This expedition will set up camp and clinics in areas such as Nairobi, Naivasha, Amboseli and Pokot.

each day approximately 300 patients will be treated free of charge. Treatment includes consultation and assessments, diagnostic tests, treatment which may be medical or osteopathic involving hands on manual therapy, medication or minor surgical procedures. The mobile laboratory and pharmacy can assess and treat many commonly observed conditions. Part of the mission is to educate about health, disease prevention, nutrition,and caring for young and ailing children.

The Divinity Foundation is passionate about women’s health rights and has taken upon itself to eradicate female genitalia mutilation( FGM). FGM comprises all procedures that involve partial or total removal of external female genitalia or other injury to healthy and normal organs for non-medical reasons. It is typically carried out by “circumcisers” who often play other central roles on supporting roles in communities. FGM is recognized internationally as a human rights violation of girls and women. It reflects deep rooted inequality between the sexes and constitutes extreme discrimination against women. It is nearly always carried out on minors and violates a persons right to health, security and physical integrity, the right to be free from torture and cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment, and the right to life when the procedure results in death ( Divinity Foundation 2021)

I am traveling on the 28th September and have left it very late to fundraise. However it is not too late.

what I am asking for is financial help to cover travel and lodging and food whilst on the mission and medical supplies which we will need to be able to treat our patients, the women and children.

any extra money raised will be donated to the Divinity Foundation to assist with purchasing supplies, medication and the safe houses for girls and women at risk of FGM.

I am truly grateful for your support.

Many thanks

Juliana