Where We Work
Rooted in Siaya County, Kenya
Winam Pediatric and Maternal Health Solutions (WPMHS) operates in Siaya County, a predominantly rural region in western Kenya located along the shores of Lake Victoria. Siaya is part of the former Nyanza Province and is home to over 1 million people, many of whom face significant barriers to healthcare due to poverty, distance, and systemic health inequities.
Siaya County is home to approximately 200,000 children under the age of five. This large cohort represents one of the most vulnerable groups, frequently affected by preventable illnesses and developmental risks from poverty, malnutrition, and lack of adequate care. This population is a key focus for our initiatives aimed at early childhood development. For example, around 25% of children in Siaya are stunted due to malnutrition.
The Health Landscape in Siaya
Siaya County bears a disproportionately high burden of disease, especially among women, children, and vulnerable rural populations. Our work addresses these interconnected health challenges:
Malaria: Siaya has one of the highest malaria transmission rates in Kenya, particularly affecting children under 5 and pregnant women. Many families suffer recurrent malaria episodes, contributing to school absences, maternal anemia, and undernutrition.
HIV & AIDS: The HIV prevalence in Siaya is among the highest nationally, with significant maternal and pediatric cases. The burden is compounded by co-infections such as tuberculosis (TB).
Sickle Cell Disease (SCD): Often underdiagnosed, SCD is a leading cause of childhood morbidity and mortality. We have documented extensive clinical needs over the past 24+ years of service and research.
Respiratory Infections: Conditions such as TB and pneumonia are major contributors to hospitalization and death in both children and adults, particularly due to diagnostic delays and limited treatment options.
Waterborne Illnesses: Diarrheal diseases like cholera, typhoid, and amoebiasis are common due to inadequate water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) infrastructure in rural communities.
Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs): Infections such as schistosomiasis and soil-transmitted helminths are prevalent and linked to poor sanitation and poverty, disproportionately affecting children.
Why Our Local Focus Matters
Our base in Siaya allows us to design programs that are community-driven, locally led, and responsive to real needs. We collaborate with local clinics, government hospitals, schools, universities, and grassroots organizations to deliver services that reach even the most remote populations.
By centering our work where the need is greatest, we build lasting partnerships and create scalable health solutions that can be adapted across Kenya and globally.
“Where distance and disease divide, we build bridges of care-one community at a time.”
— Dr. DJ Perkins, Founder & Chair