People of AMPATH: Elizabeth Kabuthi, Sally Test Child Life Program
Elizabeth Kabuthi
Elizabeth Kabuthi is a medical social worker and Certified Child Life Specialist working in Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital, Shoe for Africa Children’s Hospital, as the program coordinator of the vibrant Sally Test Child Life Program (STCLP) in partnership with AMPATH.
STCLP is a pioneer child life program in Kenya and provides opportunities for positive coping to the youngest patients in the stressful hospital environment. The team at STCLP transforms healthcare experiences though play-based interventions that are age-appropriate and child-friendly while focusing on the family as a unit.
Elizabeth is also a wife and mother to four wonderful children.
How did you get involved with AMPATH and the Sally Test Child Life Program?
In 2003, I attended the World Day of the Sick Mass which is held each year to offer spiritual nourishment to patients at MTRH. Afterwards there was a seminar to discuss HIV/AIDs and its impact on public health.
Elizabeth Kabuthi (center) with the team from the Sally Test Child Life Program in the play area at Shoe4Africa Children’s Hospital at MTRH.
This seminar was timely! At the end of the seminar I remained behind to help clean up the room and seized the opportunity to inquire about a volunteer opportunity. Professor Kimaiyo and a nurse who facilitated the seminar allowed me. He remarked, ‘I hope it will not be too hard on you. Give it a try and let us have your feedback after 3 days.” Despite the sad reality on the ground of the ravaging effects of HIV/ AIDs back then, it filled my heart to observe the recovery of patients who were literally a few inches from the grave and now filled with a fighting spirit to conquer HIV.
Working with children was quite difficult though. The mortality was high and the effects on the children were difficult to write home about. HIV/AIDs had significant effects on children worldwide in the early 2000s. Many children were orphaned as a result of parents succumbing to the disease. Access to antiretroviral therapy (ART) for pediatric HIV was limited, leading to increased morbidity and mortality among infected children. Stigma and discrimination surrounding HIV/AIDs affected children’s social well-being and access to education.
Despite this overwhelming feeling of helplessness, I always found myself with renewed energy to help out where I could. As a volunteer, I was tasked with collecting drugs for adults with no caretaker, ferrying vacutainers to the lab for tests, follow-up of missed appointments and lab results, recording of orphans and providing interventions of basic needs, and other duties. During home visits, we would come across abandoned children who had no one to care for them, after relatives were tired from HIV-related illnesses. These cases had a deep impact on my life and revealed my affinity towards children.
When Professor Joe Mamlin paid me my first check after volunteering for three months, he told me “If you love what you do, that is not work but living your passion.” This has been my driving force.
Elizabeth (left) and the team from the Sally Test Child Life Program.
In 2010, Sally Test advertised for pediatric counselors and I seized the opportunity to work with children. This remains one of the best decisions I have made in my life!!
What are some of your proudest accomplishments?
In 2015, STCLP sought to have my team and me sit for the Association of Child Life Specialists (ACLP) certification exam to enable us to become a full-fledged child life program run by Kenyan child life specialists. Since child life is a specialty unknown in Kenya, we had to contend with American qualifications, mode of study and even the presentation of the exam. We had myriad of back and forth communication with ACLP to enable us to qualify to sit for this pioneer exam in a country away from the U.S. On the exam day, the difference in time zones and technology hitches delayed the start of the exam for almost 10 hours. We were exhausted and frustrated, but I passed the exam and became the first Certified Child Life Specialist in Kenya and Africa!
STCLP has grown over the years. We focus on the child patients and their siblings. The sibling program demonstrates a commitment to recognizing and addressing the unique needs of the entire family unit and fosters a more holistic approach to support.
Presenting at local and international conferences showcases our expertise and contributes to the broader child life community. The sharing of insights and experiences can inspire others and contribute to the continuous improvement of child life practices globally.
Training other healthcare professionals on child life principles enhances the overall understanding of psychosocial support for children and families facing medical challenges and leads to improved collaboration among different healthcare cadres, ultimately benefitting the well-being of young patients.
Provision of pediatric palliative care to our young patients living with life-limiting illnesses is a crucial aspect of supporting children and their families throughout their challenging journey. Supporting children at end-of-life and offering bereavement support remains an important role of child life which we gladly offer by helping families experience the death process meaningfully.
Elizabeth leads a tour of the Sally Test Child Life Program for AMPATH partners from Japan, U.S, Ghana and other locations.
What is your best life advice for young people, especially young women?
Believe in yourself
Set boundaries
Educate yourself
Advocate for yourself
Embrace challenges
Build a support system
Prioritize self-care
Celebrate achievements
Dream Big!!
What makes the AMPATH partnership special?
Holistic approach: The collaboration emphasizes a holistic approach to healthcare by combining medical expertise from AMPATH with psychosocial support from the child life program. This comprehensive strategy addresses the diverse needs of children and families facing medical challenges.
Local Impact: The partnership is deeply rooted in the local community, demonstrating a commitment to understanding and meeting the unique needs of the Kenyan population. This localized approach enhances the relevance and effectiveness of interventions.
Shared Values: Both AMPATH and Child Life share common values related to improving the well-being of children and families. This shared commitment creates a foundation for collaboration and ensures a united focus on the mission.
Capacity Building: The partnership provides opportunities for capacity building. AMPATH professionals gain insights into psychosocial aspects of care while child life specialists can benefit from a deeper understanding of medical complexities which fosters professional development.
Mutual learning: The collaboration facilitates a two-way learning process. As professionals exchange knowledge and experiences, it enriches the overall understanding of best practices in both medical and psychosocial care.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to lead the STCLP. It’s an honor to be part of a team dedicated to making a positive impact on the lives of children and their families. I look forward to continuing our collective efforts in providing compassionate and effective support.