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From Kenya to Kentucky and Home Again Save Email Print
Posted: 1:07 AM Jul 6, 2008
Last Updated: 2:18 PM Jul 6, 2008
Reporter: Associated Press
Email Address: news@wsaz.com

A | A | A

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - Getting accepted to Dartmouth wasn't the biggest obstacle Milton Ochieng' faced as a young man from a tiny village in Kenya. It was the $900 plane ticket.

So when his neighbors began selling their chickens and cattle to pay for his trip, they let him know they wanted something in return.

Eight years later Ochieng' has graduated from Vanderbilt University medical school and built a clinic in his home village of Lwala with the help of younger brother Fred.

Before the clinic, Ochieng' says sick villagers often had to be carried for miles just to get to a paved road. But now it serves about 100 patients a day; and the volume is growing because of the high standard of care it provides, even without running water or a consistent electrical supply.

Ochieng' says the clinic struggles to raise operating funds, even with the support of the U.S.-based nonprofit, the Lwala Community Alliance.

Even so, he hopes to expand with a maternity ward and HIV/AIDS wing.

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Posted by: Sweet Charity on Jul 7, 2008 at 06:42 PM
To Anonymous: I am in no way an "idiot". (However, based on your use of this vocabulary, I would have to question your intellectual level.) This being said, your informative response still did not address any of my concerns. Who paid for this man's education? Why do you deem it "negative" to want more information? Or is it just "negative" to differ from your opinion? This is what Appalachia needs; "sons and daughters who return to make positive contributions to their communities".

Posted by: Anonymous on Jul 7, 2008 at 08:51 AM
I knew some idiot would have something negative to say.

Posted by: Sweet Charity on Jul 7, 2008 at 02:09 AM
If the $900 was such a feat, then who paid for his schooling? Let me guess..."WE" did? Please tell me that our tax money did not go to some program to help Kenya when kids in Kentucky or WV would love this same opportunity but could never afford it. And what was the benefit to us? (The catch, that he returned after graduating from Vanderbilt University medical school and built a clinic in his home village of Lwala.) I'm tired of taking care of everyone else. I understand that charity begins at home, but should not end there. But at least lets get started in the right place.

Posted by: Anonymous on Jul 6, 2008 at 05:05 PM
Congratulations to Dr. Ochieng and his brother on building a much needed clinic. This is what Africa needs; sons and daughters who return to make positive contributions to their communities. Keep up the good work.

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