This archive report was first published on 12 June 2020.
As the country battles the COVID-19 pandemic, health facilities in Busia County are still relying on outdated thermometers to detect temperatures in patients.
According to Jane Buluma, in-charge of Nasira dispensary in Matayos, the current thermometer method poses a significant health risk to her staff.
"One of our support staff has to put the thermometer under the patient's armpit and this is putting her to great risk," Buluma said.
The thermometer is placed under the armpit of a patient and stays there for some time until it produces a sound, before being removed and the temperature read.
Buluma is hopeful that the county government will provide health facilities with thermo-guns, which would enable health workers to take patients' temperatures while maintaining a safe distance.
Busia County has at least 14 health centres and more than 50 dispensaries, all of which are still using the outdated thermometers.
