TUMAINI CLINIC GETS NEW ULTRASOUND MACHINE

Written By Nathan Miller

By Val Cuthbertson, Gerringong Rotary Club — October 2025

A Call for Help

In May 2024, Gerringong Rotary was approached by a local couple who have been working with Tumaini Ministriesin Korogocho, Nairobi, since 2004.
The couple shared that a community clinic in Tumaini urgently needed to update its ageing ultrasound machine and asked if our club could help.

Of course, we said yes! We began our research to learn more about the clinic — who ran it, who it served, and how best we could assist.

About the Clinic

The clinic, Mwangaza ulio na Tumaini (which means Light with Hope), has been serving the Korogocho community since 2005.

It provides comprehensive healthcare services, including outpatient care, maternal and child health, and laboratory services. The clinic has steadily grown to handle over 200 patients daily and supports an average of 50 births each month.

However, their medical equipment was over 20 years old — overworked and out-of-date — and desperately needed replacement.

The clinic is staffed primarily by experienced African doctors who specialise in maternal and child healthcare. They place a strong emphasis on ongoing professional training to ensure the highest standard of care for every patient.

Life in Korogocho

Korogocho is one of the largest informal settlements in Nairobi, with an estimated 150,000–200,000 residents living within just 1.5 square kilometres.

In Swahili, Korogocho translates to “crowded shoulder to shoulder.”
Typical homes are made of tin and corrugated iron — often just one room that serves as a living space, kitchen, and bedroom.

Access to clean sanitation is a major challenge, with many residents relying on shared or overflowing pit latrines. Despite these hardships, local organisations continue to work hard to improve hygiene and living conditions.

We quickly realised that supporting this clinic would be an incredibly worthy and impactful project.

Partnering Across Borders

We made contact with the Rotary Club of Nairobi, who organised a Zoom meeting between their members, the clinic staff, and our own President John Green and myself.

We were very impressed by the dedication of both the Rotary members and the clinic’s team. The Nairobi club agreed to accept the funds we raised and to place the order for the new ultrasound through Crown Healthcare Medical Suppliers in Nairobi.

We also worked closely with Jedida Waweru, the clinic’s administrator, who provided quotes, photos, and essential information that helped us move forward confidently.

The Challenges of Fundraising

Our main source of fundraising comes from the monthly Gerringong Rotary Markets, but the wet winter and spring of 2024 led to several cancellations. This meant we needed partners to reach our target.

President John personally contacted neighbouring clubs to explain the project and invite them to contribute. We’re deeply grateful to the Rotary Clubs of Bowral-Mittagong, Canberra-Murrumbidgee, Berry, and Nowra for their generous support.

While Christmas holidays briefly paused progress, our commitment didn’t waver. The clinic’s old machine was failing almost daily, and we knew time was critical.

Overcoming Hurdles

Once we had the funds, the next challenge was transferring the money safely to Nairobi. Our Treasurer, Andrejs Medenis, worked closely with Bendigo Bank to ensure the international transfer met all the necessary requirements.

After a few technical hiccups — and even while Andrejs was away caravanning! — President John Green stepped in to finalise the process.

The funds were successfully received by Rotary Club of Nairobi, who promptly placed the order. By mid-September 2025, the new ultrasound machine was delivered and installed at the clinic, with Nairobi Rotary members on hand to celebrate the moment.

A Team Effort

This achievement was made possible thanks to the cooperation of many dedicated people:

  • Mr Stephen Wandera, Director of Community Projects (Rotary Club of Nairobi)

  • Dr Laura Bonareri, his successor in the same role

  • Eva Kuria, Treasurer, Rotary Club of Nairobi

  • Andrejs Medenis, Treasurer, Gerringong Rotary

  • John Green, President, Gerringong Rotary

Together, they navigated the complexities of international coordination and ensured the project’s success.

The clinic staff were overjoyed to receive their new machine — one that will directly improve maternal care and save lives for years to come.

What’s Next?

The work isn’t over. As the clinic continues to grow, it still urgently needs:

  • 6 examination couches

  • 10 hospital beds

  • 2 delivery beds

  • 1 dental chair and dental cabinet (to begin a new dental clinic)

We estimate that completing this next phase will cost AUD $80,000–$100,000+.

Whether through RAWCS or a District 9705 collaborative effort, we hope to continue supporting this clinic until all essential equipment is provided.

If you’d like to get involved or have ideas on how to help, please contact:
📧 Val Cuthbertson — valcuth90@gmail.com

Together, We Make a Difference

This project highlights what can be achieved when Rotary clubs across continents unite with a shared purpose — helping communities access better healthcare and a brighter future.

Nathan Miller