This archive report was first published on 24 June 2020.
On June 10th, 2020, Kenya's Ministry of Health launched the Home-Based Isolation and Care protocols, a crucial strategy in combating the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to Health CAS Dr. Mercy Mwangangi, Kenya is the only country in the region implementing this program, which is in line with World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines.
Dr. Mwangangi emphasized that the guidelines were developed with Kenya's socio-economic situation in mind, making them more effective in the local context.
Currently, data shows that 78% of infected patients admitted to hospitals are either asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic, making home-based care a viable option.
The Home-Based Isolation and Care Guidelines dictate procedures for eligibility, care, medical monitoring, referral systems, and community participation, among others.
Dr. Mwangangi added that the Ministry is training healthcare workers and community health volunteers to educate caregivers and households on home-based care and isolation.
She noted that the initial training targets high-risk counties and will eventually be rolled out to all affected counties.
Asymptomatic patients on the home-based program will be discharged at least 14 days after their first COVID-19 test, provided they remain symptom-free.
The focus of the home-based training is to build capacity at the household level to care for COVID-19 patients at home.
Eligible patients must be assessed by a healthcare worker, confirmed as COVID-19 positive, and asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic, with no underlying conditions.
Home-based care in informal settlements will require identifying community institutions that meet care recommendations, with the 'Nyumba Kumi' Initiative potentially playing a supportive role.
Dr. Mwangangi emphasized that mild symptomatic patients will only be discharged if they have not developed a fever for at least 72 hours without medication.
Protocols and guidelines on home-based care can be found on the Ministry's website at http://health.go.ke.
