Description
Background
Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as Type 1 Diabetes T1D), Sickle Cell Disease(SCD), and Rheumatic Heart Disease(RHD), require lifelong care and are increasingly prevalent in Sub-Saharan Africa. Although the Package of Essential NCDs (PEN-PLUS) model decentralizes severe NCD care to primary health facilities, school-going children often face reduced adherence due to financial hardship and competing academic demands. In 2024, Hamisi PEN-Plus Clinic introduced educational scholarships to improve school retention and clinic attendance.
Objective
To assess the impact of integrating Educational scholarship into routine NCD care for school going children on clinical outcomes, school attendance and psychosocial wellbeing.
Method
This public health practice review assessed the impact of educational scholarships on health and school outcomes for 30 school-going NCD patients enrolled from February 2024 to June 2025. Clinic records were analyzed for appointment adherence, medication compliance, hospitalization frequency, and school absenteeism was captured from the school registers through school visits while psychosocial wellbeing was assessed through caregiver and patient interactions.
Results
Educational support yielded measurable benefits. Clinic attendance rose to 90% from 56% at baseline, medication adherence improved from 61% to 96%, and 98% of participants reported fewer hospital admissions. School absenteeism dropped for 90% of recipients as reported by the school administration, alongside improved psychosocial wellbeing and self-confidence. These findings suggest that addressing educational barriers within routine care significantly improves treatment continuity, disease control, and overall wellbeing.
Conclusions and Recommendations
Integrating education support into NCD care addresses critical socioeconomic barriers, strengthening health outcomes, patient engagement, reduced treatment interruptions and increase health system trust. Deliberate policy dialogues and partnerships with county governments, legislators, and education sponsors are essential to scale and sustain this approach in rural Kenya.
KEY WORDS
NCDs- Non Communicable Diseases
T1D-Type 1 diabetes
SCD- Sickle Cell Disease
RHD- Rheumatic Heart Disease
PEN PLUS- Package of Essential NCDs
| Country | Kenya |
|---|---|
| Organization | Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) |
| Position | Nursing Officer |
| Received a Grant? | No |
