mike meegan

Michael Elmore Meegan
‎~Everything is possibility. Everyone we meet is an opportunity. Every morning is full of chances to become, to change, to grow~ (Michael Meegan)

ICROSS had the official opening of Ilkilort Clinic this week. Government officials joined with Tribal leaders to mark the occasion. Ilkilorit is the latest ICROSS Clinic to be opened since the Ronan Conroy clinic in July 2008. This important Medical programme is the latest in our long term initiatives serving Tribal communities in East Africa. As part of our long term committment to community health Ilkilorit is the latest major initiative in partnership with the Ministry of health.

International Director Michael Meegan said " When Dr Joe Barnes and I created ICROSS over thirty years ago we never dreamt it would be this successful, we are very excited the health services will now be given to the people here. Ilkilorit is a growing area which suffers serious droughts and problems of malnutrition. "

The Local community heard speeches from the Chiefs, local representatives and community groups in the Area. Paul OleLasoi, Head of ICROSS Nomadic programmes said ICROSS "continues to grow and reach more and more communities wih the help of partners and friends. Our Public health programmes have never been stronger" He announced that The Government "has commited new nurses to the ICCROSS project which will extend all ICROSS Maternal child health projects to the area"

Maura Buchanan who has made frequent visits to ICROSS Rural health programmes over the past two ears has been directl involved with the nurses support and strengthening capacity. Maura has helped develop the Malaria control programme with the help of her network in the UK and clinic kits for ICROSS nursing teams. She has also donated child survival and diagnostic equipment to the programmes. Speaking at the opening, the senior nurse said she remained committed to the mothers and to women's health and she would return soon.

Gerry and Mabel Coogan officially opened the Paula ICROSS Clinic in memory of their daughter. Working on the project with the ICROSS teams for over two years it was the "realisation of a dream" and "one of the most beautiful gifts " that could be given. The friends and supporters of the new ICROSS project will work together with the communities towards improving malnutrition and drought response in the area. The groups of stakeholders gathered to discuss the many exciting plans for the Paula project "This is everything we are about, our vision in ICROSS is that small is beautiful, we are about basic public health, long term committment and community ownership" said Dr Michael Meegan.

Philip OleSironka, ICROSS Information Officer and long time community representative was supported in school by ICROSS over 25 years ago. He was MC at the opening. He announced the introduction to the area of SODIS and trachoma prevention as well as a new partnership with CDF and the Ministry of water to bring water to the area with ICROSS. The community thanked Maura, Gerry, Mebel and the overseas team . Philip noted that many community leaders like him had known of ICROSS for three decades. "Together and with our dedicated partners , we will fight to end poverty and childhood disease in all these villages. "

Representatives came from other Maasai health programmes including Inonyorri which opened in 1985 exactly 25 years ago. Mr Ole Lasoi said "When Fr Cunningham and Dr Mike Meegan opened Inonyorri we never realised we would be still learning and growing even now in new areas, this is amazing, our work is only just beginning"

Full details of the opening will be put on line next week.

Among Planned services will be

Primary health care
Child survival
Mother and child health
Womens health
Disease control
Nutrition
Clinical / emergency
HIV AIDS TB and Malaria