This archive report was first published on 2 July 2020.
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to spread globally, the World Health Organization (WHO) has warned that the health sector will face significant pressure for the next six months.
Speaking at a virtual press conference, WHO Country Representative Rudi Eggers emphasized the importance of taking proactive measures to contain the spread of the virus, stating, “It’s dangerous to let the disease run rampant because deaths will rise exponentially.”
The warning comes as countries in sub-Saharan Africa, including Kenya, begin to reopen despite rising infections. Kenya has received a Sh270 million (2.3 million Euros) grant from the European Union’s Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations department (Echo) to support its efforts in combating the pandemic.
The grant will be used to train front-line health workers at the national and county levels and to strengthen rapid response and clinical teams in all counties. Dr. Eggers noted that the grant comes at a critical time when community transmission is a major concern and urgent response measures are needed to stop further spread.
According to the Ministry of Health, the pandemic is expected to peak in Kenya between August and September. Health Director-General Dr. Patrick Amoth warned that the number of cases is likely to rise during this period, but the government is working to contain the spread of the virus.
President Uhuru Kenyatta has expressed his desire to reopen the economy, but has emphasized that this will be done in a way that prioritizes public health and safety. The WHO has advised that easing restrictions should be tailored to specific contexts and groups, and that physical distancing measures should be maintained to prevent the spread of the virus.
