After five years of providing crucial care, Doctors Without Borders (MSF) has successfully handed over its Medically Assisted Therapy (MAT) program in Kiambu County to the Department of Health and Kenya Prison Services. This milestone ensures continued access to treatment for people struggling with drug addiction.
The program, launched in 2019, has transformed access to care for Kiambu residents. Previously, with heroin use prevalent in the county, there were no dedicated facilities for treatment. MSF established a clinic within Karuri Level 4 Hospital, making treatment geographically accessible and improving adherence rates.
“We’ve seen over 1,000 people benefit from this program since its inception,” says Dr. Nicole Maina, who worked at the Karuri clinic. “Currently, 556 patients are actively receiving treatment.”
The program goes beyond simply providing medication. It offers a holistic approach, including take-home doses for those facing challenges in accessing daily treatment, prison deliveries for incarcerated individuals, and satellite dispensing sites in nearby healthcare facilities. This patient-centered approach significantly increases the chances of successful recovery.
“We are grateful to MSF for establishing these clinics and training our healthcare workers,” says Dr. Elius Maina, County Executive Committee Member for the Department of Health Services in Kiambu. “We recognize the importance of MAT services and are committed to continuing them.”
The program’s success highlights the critical role of social reintegration and support for people in recovery. MSF worked to reduce stigma and build community support, understanding that a holistic approach is key to long-term success.
In addition to the Karuri facility, MSF’s program encompassed two other clinics run in partnership with Kenya Prisons Services. One clinic is located at the Ruiru Prisons Staff Training College (PSTC) Health Centre, while the other serves patients at Thika GK Prison. These clinics provided crucial treatment not only for incarcerated individuals but also for people from the surrounding communities.
With trained healthcare workers and a commitment from local authorities, the future of MAT services in Kiambu looks bright. This handover ensures continued access to treatment for those who need it most, offering a path to a healthier and more fulfilling life.
