This archive report was first published on 16 June 2020.
On June 14, 2020, the Kenyan government, in collaboration with the Rockefeller Foundation and Amref, announced plans to establish an oxygen generation plant at Kenyatta National Hospital, Othaya Annex, in Nyeri county.
The facility will provide oxygen to support the treatment of COVID-19 patients, with the goal of increasing the number of ICU beds available at the hospital.
William Asiko, Managing Director for Africa at the Rockefeller Foundation, stated that the facility is the most appropriate place to establish the plant, citing the hospital's existing infrastructure and resources.
Asiko also noted that the Rockefeller Foundation had signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Ministry of Health and Amref two months prior to the announcement, with the goal of supporting the COVID-19 response efforts in Kenya.
As part of the partnership, the Rockefeller Foundation will provide a bulk oxygen supply to the hospital, allowing for the operation of seven ICU beds. The oxygen plant is expected to be operational within the next one to two months.
Amref will also provide additional support to the hospital, including 35 beds with mattresses, three patient monitors, 4,000 full sets of PPE, and 1,000 cartons of sanitizer.
Group CEO Githinji Gitahi emphasized the importance of community-based care in the fight against COVID-19, stating that individual, household, and community-level interventions are critical in preventing the spread of the virus.
Gitahi also highlighted the role of community health volunteers and workers in home-based care, noting that they will be key assets in the effort to combat the pandemic.
The partnership between the Kenyan government, the Rockefeller Foundation, and Amref is part of a broader effort to support the country's response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
