This archive report was first published on 20 June 2020.
Published on June 20, 2020, the Kenya COVID-19 response Fund and Equity Group Foundation have partnered with Kenya Medical Association to provide critical support to frontline public healthcare staff dealing with COVID-19 patients.
The initiative, which will run for a year, aims to equip healthcare workers across the country with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively manage COVID-19 cases and provide psychosocial support to help them cope with the challenges of their service.
Financed by the Kenya COVID-19 Fund and Equity Group Foundation at a cost of Sh85 million, the program will be implemented by Kenya Medical Association in collaboration with other healthcare professional associations, including the National Nurses Association of Kenya, Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists’ Union, and the Pharmaceutical Society of Kenya.
According to Dr. Elizabeth Gitau, CEO of the Kenya Medical Association, the program aims to address the mental and physical well-being of healthcare workers, who are often exposed to physical and emotional challenges while delivering services to patients.
“As KMA, the health and wellbeing of our members has been a focus of our interventions. We welcome this initiative that will assist to scale and reach more members,” Dr. Gitau said.
Alfred Obengo, Chairman of the National Nurses Association, also appreciated the partnership, stating that frontline workers will remain at the forefront supporting patients to ensure full recovery to health.
The program targets to reach 50,000 health workers of all cadres to boost confidence and enhance professional acumen in dealing with the COVID-19 health crisis.
