A Heart for Health: Mercy’s Mission in Kajiado
Mercy Sanaipei, a 28-year-old nutritionist from Kikelelwa village in Kajiado South, is transforming lives in her community through her passion for health education. Inspired by the struggles of her neighbors, she stepped up as a Community Health Promoter (CHP) over a year ago, making a lasting impact.
“Health is not just about curing diseases; it’s about prevention and education,” Mercy shares. “Helping people live healthier lives is my calling.”
Her days are dedicated to creating health awareness and ensuring that her community has access to vital health knowledge. After leading health education sessions, she visits the local health facility—staffed by only one nurse—to support patients. Leveraging her expertise as a nutritionist, she volunteers to provide essential health education, easing the strain on the overburdened healthcare system.
Mercy’s journey has partly been supported by Entepesi Kenya (EK), an NGO working to improve health and education in underserved areas of Kajiado County. In collaboration with the Kajiado Ministry of Health, EK trained Mercy and 10 other CHPs to conduct monthly hypertension screenings and awareness sessions. Equipped with flipcharts and blood pressure monitors, Mercy brings life-saving health services directly to her neighbors.
“Thanks to this program, I can help my community learn and screen for high blood pressure without traveling far,” she says. “But we need more support—diabetes training, screening machines, and medicines would make such a difference.”
Mercy faces significant challenges. The local health facility often lacks medicines and doctors, leaving many patients to seek care miles away. Yet, her determination never wavers. Her commitment to her community embodies resilience and hope.
Through Mercy’s dedication and the support of organizations like Entepesi Kenya, remote communities are finding pathways to better health. But the journey is far from over. To help Entepesi Kenya expand its reach and improve healthcare access in remote areas, consider joining their mission. Together, we can bring quality healthcare closer to those who need it most.
