This archive report was first published on 26 June 2020.
On June 26, 2020, the Kenya COVID-19 Fund Board, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Equity Bank, launched the first consignment of locally manufactured Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs) to public hospitals in Kenya. The initiative aims to support the country's healthcare workers in the fight against COVID-19.
The consignment, valued at Shs 237,218,300, includes a range of essential PPEs, including disposable gowns, surgical masks, N95 respirator masks, protective goggles, nitrile gloves, face shields, head/hair covers, disposable medical scrubs, shoe covers, and gumboots.
Speaking during the flag-off ceremony, Dr. Mwangi, chair of the Health Committee of the COVID-19 Fund Board, emphasized the importance of collaboration in ensuring the effective distribution of PPEs. He stated, “Today we witness the benefit of working together in synergy to protect our health care workers. By coming together to provide PPEs this initiative has allowed for economies of scale, proper identification of the national priorities for PPEs and guarantees efficient and effective coordination while eliminating duplication of efforts in the provision of PPEs for public health care workers in the country.”
As part of the initiative, the Health Committee has established facility-based liaison committees in each of the 68 participating public hospitals across all counties. These committees are responsible for coordinating the receipt and rational use of PPEs, as guided by World Health Organization and Ministry of Health protocols.
To ensure timely and secure delivery of the PPEs, the committee has partnered with Fargo Courier, an independent logistics service provider, to provide a consolidated logistics solution with end-to-end visibility.
