A charity in Oxfordshire has sanitised 50,000 people in rural parts of Africa to protect them during the pandemic.

It has been six months since the Nasio Trust started its community response to the Covid-19 crisis in western Kenya.

Being the only charity supporting vulnerable and marginalised Mumias and Musanda communities, the team has been working with the Kenyan Ministry of Health and Government to fill a 'critical gap' in the provision of essential services including healthcare, clean water and sanitation.

Since the start of the pandemic the charity has engaged 340 community health volunteers to spread awareness of the virus, symptoms, testing, treatment and prevention.

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According to the latest figures published by the Nasio Trust, teams sensitised more than 50,000 people with a door-to-door Covid-19 campaign and set up hand washing stations across Mumias West market centres.

The action involved at least 700 people, including 100 peer educators and 60 Nasio staff.

More than 100 hand washing facilities were donated to families, small businesses, churches, mosques and slum dwellers and provided soap and sanitisers.

Volunteers also managed the production and distribution process of 2,362 washable face masks made by local tailors.

A spokesperson for the charity commented: "Thanks to our immediate response these rural communities have benefited from these essential services and Covid-19 sensitisation information which has helped protect and save lives.

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"It is clear to see the significant difference this support has made to this marginalised community."

So fair this year, Nasio's medical centre on the ground has continued work throughout the pandemic period and has treated more than 8,000 patients.

Figures from the charity also showed that at least 6,500 people were screened for Covid-19 symptoms and were taught hand washing techniques.

The volunteers have also been collecting data on the number of pregnant women, disabled people, and children under five years old in Mumias West to make sure that these vulnerable parties are getting the correct medical support, especially during the crisis.

The Nasio Trust also reported a major 90 per cent reduction in water-borne diseases in their medical centre, which staff claim is due to the sustained hygiene focus.

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At the start of the pandemic in Kenya the charity saw a high level of support from volunteers in Oxfordshire, including those on furlough and students who have previously travelled to Kenya to help out.

In May Nancy Hunt, CEO of the Nasio Trust commented: "Should the virus take hold in these poor communities the results would be catastrophic.

"In the west we are fighting one battle – that of the virus, but for most of the people here, the immediate worry is how to survive.

"We are incredibly grateful to all those volunteers and donors who have helped us to support these communities."

To support the Nasio Trust’s Covid-19 response appeal, visit www.is.gd/givenasio