This archive report was first published on 15 May 2020.
Isiolo County has taken a significant step in the fight against COVID-19 with the approval of its Referral Hospital's laboratory as a testing centre for patients from Meru, Tharaka-Nithi, Laikipia, and Marsabit counties.
The laboratory, renovated by Governor Mohamed Kuti's administration in partnership with the United States Department of Defence, will now handle samples from suspected COVID-19 patients from these counties, reducing the need for them to be sent to Nairobi for testing.
According to a letter from the Kenya Medical Laboratory Technicians and Technologists Board (KMLTTB) dated May 14, the lab has met the required standards and regulatory laws for medical lab personnel working in high containment environments.
"We are pleased to convey to you approval of the Isiolo Referral Hospital laboratory as a SARS Covid-19 testing site for Upper Eastern region," the letter from KMLTTB Registrar Abdulatif Ali reads.
Isiolo Health Chief Officer Ibrahim Alio said officials from the board will train county health care workers before the services kick off.
Speaking to the Nation, Mr Alio said the county, with one COVID-19 case, will focus on mass testing in efforts to prevent the spread of the deadly virus.
"The needed equipment, including cartridges, will be delivered from next week," said Mr Alio.
He added that over 1200 health workers had been trained on handling suspected Coronavirus cases, and training for Sub-County health management teams by Ministry of Health officials was ongoing.
