This archive report was first published on 28 April 2020.
As the world battles with the Coronavirus pandemic, the need for essential medication and health supplies has never been more pressing. In Kenya, the Ministry of Health has warned citizens about the dangers of fake medical materials, including recycled masks and non-effective sanitizers.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), Africa accounted for 42% of all fake medications reported between 2013 and 2017. The global COVID-19 crisis has seen many unscrupulous operators flood the market with substandard and counterfeit products.
However, one company is using technology to get essential medication and health supplies to communities in need. MYDAWA, Kenya's only registered e-pharmacy, has been delivering quality medicine to those who need it most.
"MYDAWA is uniquely suited to delivering safe, authentic, essential medication and other health or sanitary care services to the more vulnerable in the community," notes a statement from MYDAWA. "Those trying to manage chronic conditions or those making family planning decisions may not always be able to make the correct choices at this time because they cannot, or do not want to, venture out to the pharmacy or clinic so MYDAWA is a lifeline to those people."
"MYDAWA is uniquely suited to delivering safe, authentic, essential medication and other health or sanitary care services to the more vulnerable in the community," notes a statement from MYDAWA. "Those trying to manage chronic conditions or those making family planning decisions may not always be able to make the correct choices at this time because they cannot, or do not want to, venture out to the pharmacy or clinic so MYDAWA is a lifeline to those people." MYDAWA has also delivered over 50,000 PPE items, including face masks, antibacterial soaps, hand sanitizers, and gloves to those in need. The company is working with the Ministry of Health and other agencies to introduce COVID-19 Self-Test Kits, providing invaluable data to ensure that people stay healthy and safe.
