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COVID-19 Testing in Nairobi's Informal Settlements: A Mixed Response

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Nyakundi Report

Newsroom 1 min read

This archive report was first published on 12 July 2020.

On July 12, 2020, a Canadian-funded survey was released by Trends and Insights For Africa (TIFA), a regional research firm, revealing that 90% of residents in Nairobi's informal settlements are open to COVID-19 tests.

However, the survey also noted that 10% of residents expressed unwillingness to be tested for the virus, with 45% citing fear of the testing procedure as their primary concern.

Other reasons for unwillingness to get tested included social stigma (15%), fear of being forcibly quarantined (11%), and the cost of medical expenses (4%).

Interestingly, the survey found that among those willing to get tested, 92% were male, while 89% were female. Additionally, 90% of those willing to get tested were aged 18-34 years, while 91% were above 35 years.

The TIFA survey was conducted between June 2 and 15 in Nairobi's low-income areas, including Huruma, Kibera, Mathare, Korogocho, Kukuru kwa Njenga, and Kawangware.

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