This archive report was first published on 10 July 2020.
On July 10, 2020, the Ministry of Health revealed the costs of Covid-19 treatment in Kenya during a press briefing in Kilifi County.
According to the Director General, Patrick Amoth, 90% of Covid-19 cases in the country are asymptomatic, while 10% experience mild to moderate and critical cases.
Dr. Amoth attributed this to the country's demographic profile, with a high percentage of young people below the age of 25, who tend to experience mild symptoms.
As of the briefing, 44 people were in ICU, with 22 on ventilator support and 22 on supplemental oxygen treatment.
The costs of treatment vary depending on the severity of the case, with asymptomatic patients facing a Sh21,300 bill, mild cases costing Sh21,400 per day, and severe cases requiring Sh51,000 per day.
For ICU critical care support, including intubation and ventilator support, the cost is Sh71,000 per day.
Dr. Amoth emphasized the importance of home-based care, as a large portion of the population is experiencing mild symptoms.
He revealed that the Ministry has customized protocols from the WHO to suit the local environment and is managing a number of patients at home.
