April 2, 2025 – PCEA Chogoria Hospital

Spreading Smiles: KOHI and PCEA Chogoria Hospital's 2024 Dental Camp

In a heartwarming partnership, the Kenya Oral Health Initiative (KOHI) and PCEA Chogoria Hospital (PCH) collaborated to improve the smiles of children at Mpangua Primary School. This initiative, dedicated to enhancing oral health in Kenya, led to the construction of the PCH Dental Clinic and sponsors the Dental Clinic Patient Fund.After a six-year hiatus, the 2024 dental camp saw a team of 27 volunteers—including dentists and hygienists from the U.S. and Kenya—provide essential care to 206 patients over one week.

Each morning, schoolchildren, along with their parents and teachers, were transported to the clinic, where they engaged in fun activities while waiting for their turn. Inside the clinic, the dental team efficiently utilized four dental chairs and one mobile unit to deliver services such as consultations, cleaning, fillings, extractions, and oral hygiene education. Each child left with a healthier smile and a free toothbrush and toothpaste.

With KOHI’s generous support, the PCH Dental Clinic received donations of dental supplies and a mobile chair, enhancing its ability to serve the community long after the camp. The 2024 KOHI-PCH Dental Camp was not just about dental care; it was a demonstration of the transformative power of partnerships. Thanks to ongoing support, the journey to better oral health in Kenya continues—one smile at a time.

Miracle Baby Millicent Nkatha

Millicent Nkatha, a 7-year-old girl, was admitted to PCEA Chogoria Hospital after being involved in a road traffic accident while returning home from school in a village in Embu County. She sustained a severe brain injury and was rushed to the hospital as an emergency case.

Following her admission, necessary scans were conducted, and she underwent emergency surgery before being placed directly into the ICU. Millicent was admitted on November 8, 2022, and remained in the ICU/HDU for several weeks. At one point, her prognosis was critical, leading to multiple family conferences to discuss her condition, the need for further CT scans, and the goals of her care.

Nearly all departments in the hospital were involved in her case, including consultants, doctors, nurses, physiotherapists, nutritionists, social workers, counselors, chaplains, and radiologists. At a pivotal moment, Millicent became pulseless for a few minutes, putting her life at risk. However, she miraculously survived, earning her the nickname “Miracle Baby.” Eventually, she was transferred to the pediatric ward to continue her treatment.

She was successfully discharged on 8th February 2023. Following her discharge, the hospital conducted a home visit through the social work office, during which they confirmed that she was ready to resume her schooling.