Since June 2017, MSF has been running a program in Embu County that focuses on testing models of care for non-communicable diseases (NCDs) within existing primary health facilities. The project – run in 11 health facilities – involves MSF staff mentoring Ministry of Health (MoH) medical staff in the care and management of NCDs. Results are shared with other organisations working on NCDs to try to increase access to care for these conditions elsewhere.
MSF currently focuses on hypertension, diabetes, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and epilepsy.
Epilepsy is one of the most stigmatized conditions among local communities, with many myths surrounding the condition and patients being marginalized by society. This has thrown many into depression, adding onto the burden of managing the disease.