Chronicle Health

Road to Resilience: A Community Health Story of Lunga Lunga

The Community: Lunga Lunga, Viwandani, is located in the industrial center of Nairobi, Kenya.

Chronic diseases, or non-communicable diseases (NCDs), account for 71% of all deaths globally and kill 41 million people each year. Further, 82% of premature deaths (death before the age of 70) occur in low and middle-income countries. The four main NCDs that account for the majority of these deaths are cardiovascular diseases, chronic respiratory diseases, cancer, and diabetes.

The Story: In partnership with local champions, including Community Health Volunteers, health clinic leadership, and representatives of the Kenya Red Cross, Chronicle Health documented the story of Lunga Lunga. By conducting individual semi-structured interviews, we heard from community members to understand the complexities of chronic diseases and their burden on various aspects of daily life.

Here, we showcase the narratives that begin to help us understand individual journeys and shape a clearer picture of gaps in community health services and support. Beyond identifying the limitations, this approach also positioned the community to articulate their view of the solution-building required to build capacity and strengthen resilience.

R O S E

ROSE'S STORY

Rose, a 46-year-old single mother and 17-year resident of Lunga Lunga, sat with Chronicle Health to share a little of her personal story living with high blood pressure and her views of what the community needs to escape the vicious cycle of ad hoc health programming. We also hear from 14-year-old Eugene, Rose’s son, who gave insight into the difficulties faced when his mother is feeling unwell.

CECELIA AND FRASHIA

CECELIA AND FRASHIA'S STORY

In this inspiring story, we learn about a mutually beneficial arrangement between two of Lunga Lunga’s community members - 65-year-old Cecelia who was diagnosed with type-2 diabetes, and her neighbor, Frashia, who battles the effects of hypertension. This story not only shines a light on common resource and knowledge gaps for effective chronic disease management and prevention, but it also magnifies the imperative of human connection and power of community responsibility.