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www.medshare.org

MedShare International has a dual mission of providing humanitarian medical aid to economically developing countries and of helping to improve our local environment. Since 1998, MedShare has shipped over $50 million worth of surplus medical supplies and equipment to hospitals and clinics around the world while saving 925,000 cubic feet of landfill space.

Heartbreak and Hope in Kenya

by Nancy Koziol

St. Mary's-Rift Valley Mission Hospital, in western Kenya at Lake Elementita, is currently in the midst of crisis.

News stories reporting widespread violence following the disputed re-election of Kenyan president Mwai Kibaki began to circulate this past December. Most people reading or hearing the news feel sadness for those impacted by the contention and the resulting violence, but few have personal connections to Kenya or a tangible way to help.

MedShare, however, has had long and involved relationships with hospitals and clinics in economically developing countries around the world, including Kenya. As the troubling news reports began running, MedShare’s staff sent an email to check in on Father Bill Fryda, a doctor and Catholic priest who co-directs St. Mary’s Mission Hospital in Nairobi. When it became apparent that a 40-foot container shipment would be crucial at this time, MedShare collaborated with Central Presbyterian Church in Atlanta, Georgia, Walter Dean of Dean Machinery, and non-profit MAP International to pull together sponsorship costs and all requested items for the container. The desperate need for MedShare’s materials can be seen in the following email excerpt from Father Fryda:

“Greetings from Kenya. Thanks for your concern. Here at Lake Elementita, the violence is all around us, and we’re receiving lots of clash victims. There are quite a few makeshift camps for people who have survived being chased off their farms – literally thousands upon thousands of such people. It's heartbreaking to see this happening within such a beautiful country with wonderful people.

This was a tough time for the staff within the hospital compound, with several days of the smoke, hearing gunfights and people’s screams, etc., right outside. Within St. Mary's at Lake Elementita, we have been given a number of special forces soldiers, who are heavily armed. I hate this, but it is simply necessary to protect the patients and the hospital, as well as staff and their families. Hopefully, their presence will deter trouble within the compound.

I don't want you to think all is gloom. There are so many acts of heroism and love for one another put into action despite the risks. People from one tribe hide and save the lives of others. Truly, it is within times of crisis that one's true character comes to the fore. Here within the hospital compounds, we are a mix of all tribes and everyone is working together to save victims as they arrive.

As we are a major hospital within the clash area, St. Mary’s has started an appeal for emergency funds from whomever so that we can keep a supply of essential meds, supplies and surgical materials to attend to clash victims without charge. By the time the [MedShare] container reaches Kenya, I hope that the immediate crisis will be over. Thus, the nature of the container will be for continuing to help displaced and penniless victims of the clashes, living in refugee camps.”

The 40-foot container to Kenya, which left MedShare yesterday, contains 1,218 total boxes and pieces of equipment.

The Coca-Cola Africa Foundation has also agreed to sponsor two containers to support the Kenyan Red Cross. To help MedShare aid countries when they need it most, please visit our website:

Shipment Update

During the month of January, MedShare International shipped containers filled with vital medical supplies and equipment to healthcare institutions in different countries. The recipients were:

• Angola
  Ministry of Health of Angola
• Namibia
  Ministry of Health and Social Services
• Guatemala
  Kimberly-Clark’s Humanitarian Health Program
• Zambia
  Saint Francis Hospital
• Ukraine
  Odessa Regional Children's Hospital
• Nigeria
  Clehanson Hospital and Maternity

For more information and ways to support MedShare International,
please visit www.medshare.org or call 770-323-5858.