This archive report was first published on 20 May 2020.
As Kenya battles the Covid-19 pandemic, Health Director-General Patrick Amoth has stressed the importance of mandatory testing to curb cases of patients dying in hospitals and at home without knowing their Covid-19 status.
Speaking during his weekly conversation with Kenyans on Twitter, Dr. Amoth revealed that all 50 Kenyan lives lost to the virus had pre-existing health conditions.
“Regardless of age, we urge everyone to continue with our laid down measures: wash hands, wear a mask, sanitize, keep social and physical distance and stay at home as much as is possible,” Dr. Amoth tweeted.
According to the Ministry of Health, men are the most affected by Covid-19, accounting for 62% of cases, while women make up 38%. Dr. Amoth attributed this disparity to the fact that mass testing has mainly focused on male-dominated sectors, such as truck drivers.
As of May 19, men represented 76% of the total 50 deaths, while women accounted for 34%. The online conversation has given Kenyans the opportunity to ask questions and get answers to pressing concerns, including the ages of those most affected and the government's strategies to contain the spread of the virus.
With 963 people infected and 358 recovered cases, Kenya continues to grapple with the pandemic, which has seen three pregnant women among the victims. Fortunately, none of the women have lost their lives to the virus.
