LIFE TO LIFE RENAL FOUNDATION
Founded by Dr. Ruth Laura Onyango, a renal patient herself, this foundation aims to create an impact in the lives of those with or at risk of renal disease. It also aims to create awareness on the prevention and management of renal disease while giving support to those affected by the disease including provision of renal replacement therapies, support and lobbying for increased treatment provision plus treatment cost reduction. It is of note that in recent times, cases of renal disease have been on the rise particularly in the young unlike before where majority of those affected were the elderly.
INTRODUCTION
Renal disease is an increasing health burden globally affecting both the young and the old. In Kenya, cases have increased over time with a corresponding increase in related diseases such as diabetes and hypertension. Increased diagnosis has led to an increasing number of people requiring renal replacement therapy and treatment for chronic renal disease. However there has not been an adequate increase in renal therapy centers and there is a bias in the location of such centers with some areas having no facilities forcing patients to travel far once diagnosed. Centers in Kenya are located in major towns such as Nairobi, Kisumu, Eldoret, Thika, Mombasa and Machakos leaving many areas poorly covered and costs soaring. Patients have lost their lives either due to inaccessible or unaffordable treatment. There is also a gap in the level of awareness on renal disease, its burden and associations in the general population. In light of this, we need all these issues urgently addressed. Realizing that renal disease is encompassed and intertwined with general health, we aim to improve this as a whole.
VISION
To reduce the burden of renal disease while creating awareness on the disease, its prevention and management. To also be a leading healthcare provider of high quality, accessible and affordable renal replacement therapy while investing in training and advancements in renal healthcare in Kenya and the world.
MISSION
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To provide support services for renal and other patients such as nutrition, pharmacy, laboratory and counselling services.
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To provide support services to caregivers, family and others directly or indirectly affected by renal disease such as treatment, counselling and support groups.
To raise awareness on renal and general health through campaigns and medical camps.
To provide home care services and support to patients and their families.
To be involved in research and development to improve management of renal and other diseases.
METHODOLOGY

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Set up home care service centres in addition to general medical care, laboratory and pharmacy services.
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Set up networks and working modalities with renal transplant centers both within and without the country.
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Involvement in medical tourism and travel medicine.
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Set up support groups
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Awareness campaigns and health talks
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Collaboration with stakeholders in management of renal disease.
OUTLINE
Initially centers will be set up with a regional focus to cover more areas with selection of central areas to cover a given region, for example, Nairobi, Kisumu, ELdoret, Kitale, Mombasa, Meru, Garissa, Machakos and Thika. Partnerships may be sourced initially with existing health facilities (for example mission hospitals outside Nairobi) with an aim to setting up independent facilities. Centers will however setup links for inpatient facilities with existing facilities though in the long run these will be in-house, through dedicated facilities. Renal transplantation will be coordinated with an aim to expand our transplantation capacity and abilities in the country including cadaveric transplantation and dedicated renal facilities.
Research activities and training will be carried out through the centers targeting the various cadres of medical professionals, patients, family, caregivers and the general population. Centers will be involved in awareness campaigns, health talks and other interventions to raise levels of awareness, treatment and favourable outcomes in the management of renal disease and general health.
As noted above, since renal disease occurs in the background of general health, the centers will offer management of general health.
THE CENTERS
Managed by qualified medical personnel, the centers will be facilities involved in home care and center based patient services.
Home care services will be offered on a scheduled or as need arises. General outpatient services will be available at the centers. In addition, each center will have additional pharmacy, laboratory, nutrition and counselling services (including support groups).
The centers will have regular patient monitoring for effectiveness and efficiency of management with set variable, outcomes and targets such as anaemia levels, dialysis dose, monthly blood works and will aim to increase favourable outcomes while increasing survival and improving quality of life. Care will be patient centered.
All centers will be coordinated by a central unit and will have links with existing facilities for necessary additional services as required.