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Health

The Giving Circle Africa
The Giving Circle Africa

Mutai Clinic Initiative

MUTAI CLINIC OPENS

After four years of fits and starts – and the Covid-19 pandemic – The Giving Circle officially opened its new medical clinic in Mutai this July.

The clinic, which honors Kelly and Mark Bertrand’s vision, included a nearly weeklong medical camp, featuring seven U.S.-based physicians who volunteered their time and medical expertise.

The medical portion of the trip was led by Clinic Director Dr. Daniel Muwanguzi, along with Kim Poli, TGCA Executive Board Member and Medical Liaison/Advisor, who also serves as a Cardiologist at Albany Medical Center.

We welcomed back Dr. Nikki Almendinger, Pediatric GI Specialist, and Dr. Janel Guyette, Family Practitioner from Oregon. In addition, four other doctors joined our team, bringing fresh energy and enthusiasm: Dr. Kim Wyche and Dr. Susanne Tropez-Sims from Tennessee (pediatricians), Dr. Al Cennerazzo (internal medicine / pediatrics) from Massachusetts and Dr. Steven Meyer and Laurie Bitting, P.A., both from Ithaca, NY.

GRATITUDE & NEXT STEPS

The July 2025 trip reminded us once again that healthcare is about far more than medicine, it is about dignity, compassion, and community. From diagnosing critical illnesses, to providing shoes and clothing, to empowering young women, the Mutai Clinic continues to serve as a beacon of hope. We are profoundly grateful to our volunteers, donors, and local partners. With your support, we can continue to meet urgent needs while building a healthier, stronger future for the families of Mutai.
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The TGC team saw 381 patients during its July medical camp. With the aid of our newly equipped laboratory, the seven physicians who joined our summer team were able to diagnose and treat many cases of malaria, hypertension, gastritis, cellulitis, intestinal parasites/worm infections and diabetes. Others receiving care included two patients with severe anemia, urinary infections, thyroid conditions, and more. A young woman with recurring ascites due to abdominal peritonitis was evaluated, underwent surgery, and is now being treated for tuberculosis — and improving. While walking from the clinic to our school at Kagoma Gate, Dr. Nikki Allmendinger met a young boy named Irish whose abdominal wall had not closed properly, leaving his internal organs protruding. She has since raised the money for his care, and with the help of Dr. Daniel Muwanguzi, Irish underwent surgery in September and is doing well. We are deeply thankful to our dedicated local staff and students, including PA Walter, Midwife Veronica, Nurse Denis, and our nursing students. Their translation skills, medical knowledge, and cultural guidance helped bridge gaps and made patients feel safe and understood.