This archive report was first published on 4 June 2020.
Kenya to Implement Home-Based Care for COVID-19 Patients ¶
On Thursday, the Kenyan government announced plans to develop a protocol for safe home care of COVID-19 patients and their contacts, as part of efforts to decongest hospitals and prevent them from being overwhelmed.
Health Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe stated that the government is moving to ease the burden on hospitals, which are reaching full capacity. He noted that many confirmed cases are asymptomatic and can be managed from home.
According to the CS, over 80 per cent of patients in hospitals are asymptomatic, and the government is looking at sending some COVID-19 patients home. He emphasized the importance of home-based care, citing the World Health Organisation's advocacy for easing health systems.
“Mbagathi and Kenyatta University hospitals are reaching full capacity. Many of the confirmed cases are asymptomatic and can be managed from home,” the CS said.
He appealed to Kenyans to avoid stigmatization when COVID-19 patients are released to be taken care of in their homes, emphasizing that the Ministry has completed the process of home-based care protocols.
“Let the families also take responsibility,” he said, adding that this is the only way to cope with what to expect in the future.
