Expert Asks Parents To Screen Children For Development Disorders For Early Remedy

• Thalia Psychotherapy and the Infinite Child Foundation have partnered with Kenyan ministries to revolutionise care for kids with developmental disorders
• This comprehensive initiative aims to screen every child for developmental disorders after birth, addressing both the visible and unseen challenges
• In Kenya, developmental disorders affect a significant portion of the population, yet many cases, especially milder ones, often go unnoticed

Thalia Psychotherapy and the Infinite Child Foundation are teaming up with the ministries of health and education to revolutionise care for individuals affected by developmental disorders.

How will the partnership help?

According to a statement sent to TUKO.co.ke, This ambitious initiative aims to screen every child for developmental disorders after birth.

They will also address the visible and unseen challenges that children, their caregivers, and their families face.

Developmental disorders have a significant impact on the Kenyan population, with many cases, especially milder ones, often going unnoticed.

The burden on caregivers, coupled with societal misunderstandings and the lack of support, has created a pressing need for a more inclusive and accessible healthcare framework.

The Maisha Mother program, spearheaded by Thalia Psychotherapy and the Infinite Child Foundation, initially focused on postpartum depression.

It is now expanding its focus to include developmental disorders, emphasising early detection and intervention.

Integration with MOH and MOE

A pivotal development in this initiative is the integration of the program's framework with the MOH and MOE.

This ensures that those in need of care receive it as close to home as possible, significantly improving access to essential services.

Bethar Njeri, Co-Founder of the Infinite Child Foundation, remarked,

"Our collaboration with the Kenyan government and Thalia Psychotherapy, also known as Mindful Kenya, is a game-changer.

"It means we can embed our care strategies within existing national frameworks, ensuring a far-reaching and sustainable impact," she added.

Comprehensive care approach

Central to the program's strategy is the 'hub and spoke' model, utilising Mindful Kenya's extensive hospital network.

This approach ensures widespread access to care, from initial screenings in local clinics to specialised treatment in larger hospitals.

Recognising the mental health toll on caregivers, the program also includes services to support their well-being, holistically addressing the family unit's needs.

Dennis Mwangi, Managing Partner of Thalia Psychotherapy, explains, "Our model is designed to bring care closer to those who need it.

By leveraging existing healthcare infrastructures, we can extend our reach and ensure no one is left behind.

Our goal is to make screening for developmental disorders a routine part of well-baby clinics, allowing for early intervention and support for caregivers."

Educational integration

The partnership with the MOE is crucial for creating supportive educational environments for children with developmental disorders.

This includes training teachers and implementing inclusive classroom strategies.

Esther Kathini, the head of health promotion and wellness at the Ministry of Health, emphasised the importance of incorporating specialised care into the education system to ensure children receive the support they need to thrive academically and socially.

Anthony Okungu, Chief of Growth and Strategy at Thalia Psychotherapy, highlights,

"Our inclusive insurance model makes this comprehensive care affordable, ensuring that financial constraints do not hinder access to necessary services."

Impact and future goals

With an aim to reach and support over a million affected individuals, the collaboration between these organisations and government ministries promises a transformative impact across Kenya.

Mercy Mwende, Chief Operating Officer at Mindful Kenya, shares,

“Our goal is ambitious but achievable. By integrating care into the community, we aim to transform the lives of countless families and create a more inclusive society.”

Beatrice Muraguri, a renowned health expert with the WHO Health Emergency Team in Africa, stresses the global importance of such initiatives, stating,

"In many low-income regions, children with developmental disorders are often neglected due to a lack of resources and awareness. This initiative by Thalia Psychotherapy and Infinite Child Foundation is a commendable step towards changing this narrative and aligning with the UN's Sustainable Development Goals."

Woman with disability has 4 kids with different fathers

In a separate story, a woman living with disability shared her heartbreaking relationship experience with men who claimed to love her.

The lady who has a physical challenge said men take advantage of her in the name of love, only to abandon her after she gets pregnant.

Joyce Kansime said men who pledged to support, protect, and care for her always left after a while, leaving her with a great burden.

"I have four kids, and all have four different fathers, and I don't even know their names or addresses," she told Afrimax English.