Newsletter #1 - Fall 2026

SUMMER 2026

GROWING THE MAMA PACK FAMILY: OLDONYIRO

In 2025, the Oldonyiro Dispensary saw over 405 patients for prenatal visits, but only performed about 75 facility births - this is the statistic that drew us to a very remote Samburu community on the border of Laikipia and Isiolo County. There is a huge need for community outreach, education, and material aid.

EDUCATIONAL SESSIONS, FOCUS GROUPS, AND COMMUNITY FEEDBACK

KNOWLEDGE IS POWER

Through conversations with clinic staff and community health workers, we planned a day of educational sessions on danger signs in birth and the importance of facility births. We also used this as an opportunity to better understand the obstacles faced by birthing people in this community and their views of clinic birth. We had almost twice as many participants as expected, including a handful of men - a rarity in this very traditional patriarchal culture!

SUSTAINABLE AID: LYDIA AND HELEN

CARING FOR MOTHERS AFTER BIRTH. CARING FOR CHILDREN WHEN IT MATTERS MOST.

Pictured is Lydia and her aunt Helen. Lydia was left motherless at only 4 days old following complications of an unassisted home birth. Her aunt and uncle stepped in to care for her and her siblings while already caring for children of their own. Mama Packs provides formula for Lydia, school fees for her siblings, a Mama Pack for Helen, and a sustainable source of income for the family - 5 milking goats!

PEDIATRIC SUCCESS STORY: RASHID

LIFE CHANGING SURGERIES AND CONTINUED SUPPORT

Rashid was born with a severe cleft palate to a teen mom in a very low-resource setting. Through coordinated efforts by Operation Smile Kenya and Mama Packs for Kenya, Rashid underwent life-changing surgery and benefits from continued support from both organizations. His mom, Caroline, is back in school and we are working to supply their home with a source of clean water!