The Karuri Medically Assisted Therapy (MAT) clinic, dedicated to the rehabilitation of drug addicts, has officially been handed over to the Kiambu government and Kenya Prison Services. This transition follows a five-year partnership with Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors Without Borders).
Located at Karuri Hospital in Kiambaa sub-county, Kiambu, the MAT clinic provides access to medical substitutes for opioids such as heroin, significantly reducing health risks and fatalities among users.
“The MAT clinics adopt a one-stop medical facility approach, emphasizing a holistic treatment strategy beyond mere opioid substitution,” stated Dr. Edi Atte, MSF Country Director in Kenya. “This includes infection prevention, treatment for HIV and viral hepatitis due to unsterile needle use, TB prevention and treatment, mental health support, and family and community reintegration.”
Kiambu is among the counties in Kenya with the highest prevalence of drug use, particularly heroin. The most affected sub-counties include Kiambaa, Juja, Thika, and Kikuyu.
Situated within Karuri Level 4 Hospital in Banana ward, the clinic aims to enhance access to treatment, promoting adherence to recovery. It offers prescription medications for pain relief and drug addiction treatment as part of a harm reduction strategy.
“The harm reduction approach focuses on minimizing the negative health, social, legal, and financial impacts of drug addiction,” Dr. Atte explained.
To support social reintegration and economic self-reliance for stable patients, the MAT clinic provides up to two weeks of medication. For patients unable to attend daily doses due to illness, injuries, or school commitments, peer educators deliver medications directly to their homes or hospitals.
Each dose is securely packaged and locked for safe storage at home, ensuring accessibility for those unable to visit the clinic daily.
Since its inception, 1,619 patients who use drugs (PWUDs) have benefited from the clinic’s comprehensive program, with 556 currently receiving care. The clinic enrolled its first patients in September 2019.
In addition to the Karuri clinic, MSF has also handed over two MAT clinics to Kenya Prison Services at the Ruiru Prisons Staff Training College Health Centre and Thika GK Prison, serving both incarcerated individuals and those from surrounding communities.
Healthcare workers received training in preparation for the handover, with commitments from the County Department of Health Services and Prisons to continue providing care for PWUDs.
Dr. Elias Maina, County Executive Committee Member for Health, emphasized the importance of MAT services, stating, “We recognize that these services remain vital for patients in Kiambu, and we will continue them even after MSF’s departure.”
Karuri Therapy Clinic Transferred to Kiambu and Kenya Prisons
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