How a lifesaving partnership transformed the lives of two infants from Baringo

In a brightly lit surgical suite at The Nairobi Hospital, quiet tears of joy were shed as a baby’s first unlabored smile lit up the room.
For two families from the remote Tiaty Constituency in Baringo County, 29 May 2025, will forever be etched in memory, the day their infants, born with cleft lips and palates, received not only medical treatment but a renewed chance at life.
This moment was made possible through a heartwarming collaboration between Save a Life Community Organisation, Help A Child Face Tomorrow (HCFT), and The Nairobi Hospital. It marked the successful completion of two life-altering surgeries -a milestone celebrated with emotion, compassion, and a renewed call for community-based healthcare support in Kenya.
Cleft lip and palate, congenital conditions that severely affect feeding, speech, and self-esteem, are often left untreated in marginalized areas due to the high cost of surgery and lack of access to specialized care. But thanks to this powerful partnership, two children who once faced uncertain futures- now have a chance to thrive.
“We are transforming one life at a time,” Joseph Murimi said who is the President of Save a Life Community Organisation, as he stood alongside medical professionals and community volunteers.
His voice carried conviction, but his eyes revealed the emotion behind the mission. “Our goal is simple to stand in the gap for those who would otherwise be forgotten.”
The organization has long been dedicated to offering medical interventions to vulnerable populations, especially those in Kenya’s rural and underserved regions. By identifying children in need and coordinating logistics, Save a Life acts as the bridge between forgotten communities and quality care.
At the heart of this effort lies the dedication of the medical staff at The Nairobi Hospital, one of the region’s premier health institutions. Wilfred Bughah, the charge nurse overseeing the cleft surgeries, reiterated the hospital’s deep commitment to equitable healthcare.
“We provide quality healthcare to all, regardless of their background,” he said underscoring the hospital’s mission to close the gap between privilege and need. The surgeries, performed pro bono, involved teams of surgeons, anesthesiologists, and nurses who volunteered their time and expertise.
The medical staff also took the opportunity to raise awareness about maternal and infant health. One nurse highlighted a crucial preventive measure: antenatal care. “It is always good for all mothers to attend antenatal pregnancy clinics,” she advised. Antenatal visits, she explained, can detect congenital issues early and ensure both mother and baby receive the support they need.
According to the World Health Organization, at least eight antenatal care contacts during pregnancy can dramatically reduce perinatal mortality and improve outcomes — yet in many parts of Kenya, these visits are missed due to distance, cost, or lack of awareness.

Community-driven change
The partnership between Save a Life, HCFT, and The Nairobi Hospital is more than a one-off success — it is a model for what’s possible when compassion meets coordination. HCFT, which specializes in supporting children with facial deformities, provided funding, logistical support, and family counseling before and after surgery.
“This is just the beginning,” said an HCFT volunteer. “There are many more children waiting, and with continued support, we can bring healing and hope to all corners of the country.”
As the infants begin their recovery, their families return home not just with children whose faces are whole, but with spirits uplifted. For a mother from Baringo, her words summed it best: “Today, my baby was given a future.”
In a world where disparity often overshadows possibility, this collaborative effort is a reminder of what we can achieve together. Healing, after all, is not just medical; it’s human.