This archive report was first published on 12 January 2020.
'I promote the health of vulnerable populations' ¶
Prof Caroline Otieno, a dedicated academic and advocate for the less fortunate, has been making waves in the field of public health. In this exclusive interview, she shares her remarkable story and the driving forces behind her work.
Prof Otieno's journey began when she was a part-time lecturer at several universities, including the University of Nairobi, where she is currently based. Her passion for improving the health outcomes of vulnerable communities led her to apply for the United Nations Interagency Taskforce on Non-Communicable Diseases (UNIATF) award in 2019.
Her application was successful, and she was awarded the prestigious prize in New York in September last year. The award recognized her efforts in preventing non-communicable diseases in informal settlements through a programme that supplied clean water and one meal a day to mitigate the risk of diarrhoea and malnutrition.
Prof Otieno's work is not limited to her academic pursuits. She is also a researcher, and her studies have taken her to various parts of the country, including Baringo County, where she conducted research on climate change, gender vulnerability, and adaptation mechanisms in 2015 and 2016.
Her findings highlighted the alarming rates of malnutrition and diarrhoea among school-aged children, particularly during flooding. This led her to develop a programme that harvested rainwater and introduced a meal a day in schools, resulting in improved school attendance, learning, and health outcomes for the children.
Prof Otieno's dedication to her work is evident in her daily routine, which includes conducting research, teaching part-time students, and engaging in community activities. Despite the challenges she faces, including witnessing the misuse of resources and failure to serve those under care with dignity, she remains driven by her desire to make a positive impact on the lives of vulnerable populations.
When asked about her biggest challenge as an advocate for the less fortunate, Prof Otieno expressed her pain at seeing some parties misuse resources or fail to serve those under their care with dignity. She also shared her regret at being unable to ensure the feeding programme is introduced in all schools, especially in areas that are not endowed with enough resources.
Despite these challenges, Prof Otieno remains optimistic and believes that there is a solution to every problem. Her desire to make children happy and taken care of them because they are the future drives her in life. She also hopes to leave a legacy on earth by promoting gender equality at all levels and being a peace ambassador.
Prof Otieno's story is a testament to the power of dedication, hard work, and a passion for making a positive impact on the lives of others. Her work continues to inspire and motivate others to join her in promoting the health and well-being of vulnerable populations.
