Pedaling Towards Health: Joshua Mutambu's Journey in Mwingi North

Joshua Kitonga Mutambu, a 42-year-old tireless figure, nestles between the slopes of Kimangao Rock in Mwingi North, in the Kimangu Community Unit, in serving the community. He dedicates his life to serving as a Community Health Promoter working for improved health in his community. With 261 households to care for, Joshua constantly battles the problem of missed ANC visits, despite his diligent three-days-a-week home visit routine. It is an expansive area that took as long as three months to visit all the households.

What has perhaps changed the contours of Joshua's mission is a transformative partnership between CMMB Kenya, World Bicycle Relief , and the Kitui County Government. Each CHP in Mwingi North, Joshua included, benefited from a bicycle to increase mobility across the expansive region. "The bicycle has given me newfound energy to project my target group: expectant and lactating mothers," he shares with easy renewal of purpose.

As a pastor who has been interested in humanitarian work, the maternal deaths in his village touched Joshua's heart. Out of concern, he volunteered to become a Community Health Promoter in 2016. Now, with a bicycle, he feels his role has more dignity and visibility within the community. Not only did the bicycle aid in mobility, but it also went as a symbol of his commitment and identity as a health promoter.

Through the Linda Uzazi program, CMMB ensures that Joshua and other CHPs benefit from training in reproductive and maternal health. His training includes newborn nutrition, danger signs in pregnancy, ANC recognition, growth monitoring using mid-upper arm circumference among others, and WASH.

He reflects on his journey and rightfully feels very proud about the positive changes he has witnessed. "This area certainly has a high prevalence of diabetes, but I am quite certain that because of my home visits and the advice given to patients, diabetes related deaths have considerably reduced.” The bicycles' impact cannot go unnoticed; one need only visit Maseki Dispensary, attached to the Community Unit, to find out that there had been a phenomenal increase in ANC visits—from just two visits the month prior to the bicycle donation to seven visits by the end of May.

  The bicycles came with more advantages than just increased ANC visits. They have drastically reduced the travel time CHPs spend, enabling them to visit more households more frequently. This has improved their ability to deliver timely healthcare interventions and follow-ups. The bicycles allow carrying some medical supplies and teaching aids to keep them well-equipped during such visits. Moreover, the visibility of the CHPs on bicycles has increased community trust and cooperation, as people see tangible support and commitment in action.

Joshua's story is one of dedication and transformation, since this is what the collaborative effect of healthcare has brought about in his case. His work not only saves lives but also strengthens the fabric of his community, one visit at a time.

By Roy Mwangi.