VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) — A Virginia Beach based charity is working to raise money and awareness for essential health services that will aid disadvantaged communities across Africa.
Health Focus Africa provides free medical camps and critical medical treatment to those who need it most. The organization is working to raise $24,000 to fund a mobile clinic that includes vaccines, personal protective equipment and medication. The money will also help to offer volunteers a stipend for their work.
On Sunday morning, nearly 50 people joined the “Walk to Save Lives” 5K at Mount Trashmore.
“There’s a need everywhere. Here in Hampton Roads, there’s a need! We have the homeless situation. We have all kinds of situations. Kenya as well. On that part of the world, it is worse because we lack basic medications, like even over the counter medication,” said Polycarp Ombati, Health Focus Africa Chief Executive Officer.
Ombati was born in Kenya, he explains to 10 On Your Side over the counter medications are not easily accessible.
“There are people dying for lack of basic medication. That is my drive to be able to make a difference,” said Ombati. “I am very passionate. I use my personal funds to make a difference.”
Last month, on July 12, the Siaya Medical Camp hosted by Health Focus Africa served 341 people.
“We have had medical camps where we had overwhelming amount of people show up, but we didn’t have enough medication to give. Some people had to go without the medication,” said Ombati.
The next trip to Kenya is planned for September of this year.
“We can serve a lot of people there, because the cost of living there is not very high. We can be able to do a lot more with a lot less,” said Ombati.
The hope is to expand to other countries in Africa.
