North Star was honoured to host a team from the Siemens Stiftung (foundation) led by Managing Director Dr. Nina Smidt. The team visited the North Star Blue Box clinic in Mlolongo, Kenya and interacted with our staff and clients. During the visit, the team learnt how North Star innovations keep the mobile populations healthy while crossing the African borders to deliver essential supplies.

With the support of the Siemens Stiftung (foundation), North Star is running a project for COVID-19 screening, conducting training for frontline health workers on COVID-19 infection prevention, and referring suspected COVID-19 positive cases to referral hospitals. The Project also promotes the uptake of the COVID-19 vaccines.

The project, which targets truck drivers, female sex workers, men who have sex with men and the general population, is being implemented in collaboration with the Ministry of Health in Kenya. Over 17,000 people have benefited from the project. Our teams have also conducted sensitization sessions and allowed frontline healthcare workers to debunk myths and misconceptions about the COVID-19 vaccines. Through the project, we have screened and vaccinated over 11,992 and 1,719 clients respectively against COVID-19. 25 people tested positive for the virus, with 23 of those being treated and recovered.
Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions, the project is on track. The team is dedicated not only to reaching out to more patients, but also to addressing stigma and ensuring that those who test positive for COVID-19 are cared for, and reintegrated into their respective homes and workplaces after recovery.