This archive report was first published on 10 June 2020.
June 10, 2020 - Nairobi, Kenya: The COVID-19 pandemic has brought unprecedented challenges to Kenya's healthcare system. In response, the Ministry of Health has launched home-based isolation and care guidelines for patients with COVID-19.
According to Dr. Rashid Aman, Health Chief Administrative Secretary, the guidelines are designed to guide the home-based care of asymptomatic patients, who account for 78% of all patients. The protocols are available on the Ministry of Health's website.
"The Home-based isolation and care guidelines dictate the procedures to manage patients at home, including eligibility, care procedures, medical monitoring, referral systems, and community participation," Dr. Aman explained during a regular briefing on the pandemic.
As of June 10, Kenya had recorded 3,094 infections, 1,048 recoveries, and 89 deaths, with 2,046 active cases. The initiative will be implemented under the supervision of medical and public health officials, with community volunteers involved in daily assessments of home-based patients.
Community health workers will play a key role in linking healthcare workers with households, particularly in informal settlements where households have limited spaces. The Nyumba Kumi initiative will guide the identification of institutions within the community that can provide home-based care.
Dr. Aman appealed to all health stakeholders to abide by the new guidelines and urged NGOs to partner with the Government in the initiative, especially in informal settlements.
