A new Hospice Care Kenya project, in partnership with Embu County Referral Hospital, is providing vital support to families of children with cerebral palsy. Led by Dr Christine Marete, the project delivers practical training and emotional support to caregivers, helping them better manage their children’s needs.
Cerebral palsy is more common in Kenya, often due to birth trauma linked to poor access to quality pre-natal care. Families often face stigma, isolation and a lack of support, making it difficult to meet their children’s complex needs—especially where food and basic healthcare are hard to afford.
So far, 45 caregivers (40 women and 5 men) have received training through the new Embu Cerebral Palsy Caregivers Support Group. Sessions have covered medical care, feeding challenges, mental health and self-care. Future topics include physical therapy, spiritual care and income-generating skills, to support parents who cannot work due to full-time caregiving.
We’ve learnt how to embrace our children and how to care for ourselves. It’s important to love and defend your child in society. How you treat him will determine how others treat him. Accept your child as they are and celebrate even the smallest milestones.
~Mercy, mother to Sammy
The impact is clear. Caregivers feel more confident, better informed, and supported by a growing community. The group is now registered with the Ministry of Social Services, giving families access to government disability support.
With three more training sessions planned, the project continues to strengthen families facing some of the toughest challenges.
Please donate here to deliver this vital work to more families in Kenya. Thank you.