This archive report was first published on 22 April 2020.
Covid-19 Stigma Hampers Pandemic Response in Nakuru ¶
Published on April 22, 2020
Medical experts in Nakuru have sounded the alarm on the growing threat of Covid-19 stigma, warning that it is hindering the spread of the pandemic.
Nakuru Teaching and Referral Hospital Medical Superintendent Dr Joseph Mburu noted that the rejection of Covid-19 victims by their communities is preventing the provision of medical care and disclosure of potential Coronavirus infections.
"As we fully embrace guidelines issued by the Ministry of Health towards combating the spread of Covid-19, public awareness campaigns on the pandemic need to stress psychological support for patients," Dr Mburu said.
He added that the biggest threat to overcoming the spread of Covid-19 is the social stigma associated with its patients and doctors treating the illness.
"This is mainly due to misinformation that has circulated in the media and a lack of public awareness. The citizens need to realise that the disease is not a disgrace," Dr Mburu said.
Nakuru Governor Lee Kinyanjui also weighed in on the issue, stating that he was aware of cases where persons who had been released from Covid-19 quarantine and isolation centres were being subjected to stigma.
"Stopping stigma is important for us to create a society that is resilient to the pandemic. Some of the recovering Covid-19 patients and those cleared to leave isolation centres have been subjected to social rejection among others," Governor Kinyanjui said.
He added that the county had incorporated counseling for both those held at isolation facilities and their families to ensure successful reintegration into society after quarantine or treatment.
"To enhance recovery and make this war against Covid-19 a success, Kenyans must stop discrimination," Governor Kinyanjui asserted.
One of the recovered Covid-19 patients, a 23-year-old man who wished to remain anonymous, expressed gratitude for the medical care he received at the Nakuru Teaching and Referral Hospital.
"I am happy that the health officers monitored my progress and accorded me very elaborate medical care. Their selfless efforts have ensured that the two of us are now fully recovered," he said.
He added that he was yearning to be reintegrated into society after being confined to a solitary schedule for 24 hours a day.
"That is the life that Kenyans in isolation or quarantine are living. And after many days in solitude which changed our lifestyles in a major way, it will be a great disservice to survivors of Covid-19 to be subjected to stigmatisation and discrimination," he said.
Experts warn that Covid-19 associated stigma in the country is mainly being fueled by insufficient knowledge about the new disease, how it is transmitted and treated, and how to effectively prevent infection.
They are now calling on the Ministry of Health to prioritise the collection, consolidation, and dissemination of accurate country and community-specific information about affected regions, individuals, and vulnerable groups.
