COVID-19 and Flooding Create Hardships
Kenya reports 1,348 COVID-19 cases as of Tuesday, May 26, and had its highest daily increase of 80 new cases on Thursday. Although the cases continue to be concentrated in the Nairobi and Mombasa areas, 28 of Kenya’s 47 counties now have confirmed coronavirus cases including Uasin Gishu, Trans Nzoia, Turkana, Busia and Bungoma.
Fifty-two people have died as a result of the coronavirus and the Kenya Ministry of Health reports that 405 people have recovered. In remarks on Saturday, May 16, President Uhuru Kenyatta said that thirty percent of the deaths had occurred at home. “I send my heartfelt condolences to the families and friends of those we have lost. The life of every Kenyan is precious. I, together with millions of Kenyans mourn for the lost dreams cut short so suddenly by this disease,” he said.
The national dusk-to-dawn curfew has been extended until June 6. The cessation of movement into and out of the Nairobi metropolitan area and Kilifi, Kwale, Mombasa and Mandera counties has also been extended to June 6.
Graphic: Kenya Ministry of Health
There is also now a cessation of movement order at the international borders with Tanzania and Somalia with the exception of cargo vehicles who are subject to testing. Many truck drivers who have tested positive have been denied entry into Kenya.
Although the case count remains low in western Kenya, preparation and precautions continue at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) and throughout the rural health clinics. MTRH provides testing at the AMPATH HIV Care Lab and is bringing a second testing platform online. Testing capacity is being scaled up throughout the country.
Procuring personal protective equipment (PPE) continues to be a challenge, but MTRH has been able to procure large quantities of surgical masks and has full PPE for use in the laboratory. AMPATH’s North American partners are assisting with procurement of swabs, pulse oximeters and other supplies as they are available.
In remarks on Saturday, May 23, President Kenyatta announced an 8-point stimulus plan that includes hiring of additional healthcare workers and expansion of bed capacity at public hospitals.
The economic impact on families from the shutdown continues to be severe, especially for those that work in Kenya’s “informal sector.” Extreme flooding in parts of western Kenya is creating life-threatening situations in addition to the threat of COVID-19.
AMPATH is working with corporate and individual donors to address the extreme food insecurity and health threats created by both the flooding and coronavirus. A truck with emergency supplies and food is being dispatched to assist the flood victims. AMPATH’s human and healthcare infrastructure built over three decades of partnership continues to be foundational to this response.
Patients were assisted in obtaining medication for multiple months, but those who need to visit the clinic and MTRH can still do so while observing appropriate COVID-19 hygiene and social distancing precautions. Services such as chemotherapy continue. When possible, phone-based follow-up and appointments are used.
Although schools throughout Kenya, including Moi University School of Medicine, continue to be closed, several AMPATH efforts are underway to continue remote education sessions for medical fellows and registrars as access to technology and electricity allow. AMPATH investigators are pursuing ways to expand the digital health system to aid in virtual learning opportunities, telehealth services and public health surveillance efforts through AMPATH’s electronic medical records system.
Like the rest of the world, the future of COVID-19’s impact on the people of Kenya remains unclear. It is clear that AMPATH’s partnerships, infrastructure and ability to expand and adapt as needed will be vital for the short, medium and long-term recovery efforts.