Yasulwe, Kenya: The residents of Yasulwe now have weekly access to affordable medical care, thanks to Rotary Doctors who set up a medical clinic each Wednesday at the the Circle of Light (CoL) Christian Training Center, where a refrigerator that stores medicines is powered by a CoL propane cylinder.

Nine doctors and four support staffers serve as many as 500 people each week, providing examinations, medical tests, treatments and prescriptions. Patients 5 years and younger are seen for 50 cents and those over 5 years for just $1.

Children represent the largest patient group and are most often treated for malaria, pneumonia, scabies, impetigo, chicken pokes, eczema and fungal skin infections.

Three-year old Emmanuel Wafula received treatment for malaria, pneumonia and malnutrition. "Emmanuel and I would have travelled nearly 10 miles away to receive treatment, but this medical clinic is very near, unbelievably affordable and yet offers very good services by qualified medical doctors," says Benson Wangala, Emmanuel's father.

Dr. Daniel Muruka, who helps head the clinic, also emphasizes the clinic's proximity as a very important factor. Without the weekly clinic, the closest medical facility 10 miles away. When sick patients cannot travel the distance, treatable medical conditions can end in death.

Recently, Solomon Wetgaula (4 years) was treated for malaria and a skin rash. "I am sure that Solomon will be well because he has been attended to by qualified medical doctors," says Peter Wetangula, Solomon's father. Besides the convenient location and the affordable prices, Peter cites the regular clinic hours as a huge benefit. "The doctors always keep their word and visit the clinic every Wednesday and as such we are sure that we will be served."

Adult patients are mostly treated for malaria, pneumonia, sexually transmitted diseases, typhoid, HIV/AIDS, diabetes and high blood pressure.

Stella Wanjala (38 years) received treatment for malaria, muscular pains and accepted voluntary HIV testing and counseling.

"I have been sick for quite sometime now and have sought medical treatment in several clinics some managed by inadequately qualified medical personnel and with relatively high medical costs," Wanjala explains. "I was advised by my husband to come to the Yasulwe Medical Clinic because he had heard of this ongoing wonderful service, and here I am, and I have received my treatment. I am thankful for this medical clinic because it is affordable and within reach, and because I had to travel about 2.5 miles as opposed to 10 miles."