This archive report was first published on 25 August 2020.
As coronavirus cases continue to rise, health officials are warning patients with malaria-like symptoms to avoid self-medication and seek medical attention instead.
According to Health Chief Administrative Secretary Rashid Aman, the number of patients seeking treatment for malaria has decreased by two-thirds, from 300,000 to 100,000 visits per week, due to self-medication.
Dr. Aman attributed this decline to patients purchasing medicine over the counter instead of seeking care in a health facility, and cautioned against the move, saying scientists have not yet discovered how the two diseases interact while in the body.
He acknowledged the fear of going to hospitals, citing the pressure on health systems and resulting waiting times, but emphasized that seeking medical attention is crucial to prevent severe complications or even death.
“A majority of Kenyans have shied away from health facilities because they fear they will get tested for Covid-19, and a positive result comes with a lot of stigma in the current scenario,” Dr. Aman said.
He also noted that some patients believe they will be infected with Covid-19 when they visit health facilities for treatment, but assured that this is a misinformed notion.
Published on August 25, 2020.
