Government Launches Home Care Based Isolation Protocol Nairobi
The government has launched the Home Based Isolation and Care Guidelines, for Patients with COVID-19.
The guidelines which are available at the Ministry of Health website have been developed to provide a solution in the management of the increasing numbers and the anticipated surge in the COVID-19 cases.
The guidelines were unveiled by the Ministry of Health, Chief Administrative Secretary (CAS), Dr. Rashid Aman during the daily COVID -19 briefing at Afya House.
Currently, the available data in the country shows that 78 per cent of the infected persons, admitted in hospitals are either asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic and therefore can be managed at home provided proper laid down procedures are followed.
The Home-Based Isolation and Care Guidelines dictate these procedures and the guidelines expound on key areas that include eligibility, care procedures, medical monitoring, referral system to health facilities when the need arises, criteria for determining recovery and community participation among others.
Dr. Rashid added that the implementation of the guidelines which, begins immediately shall be done under the supervision of medical and public health officials, Community Health Volunteers will also be involved in the daily assessment of the home-based patients and will be the key link between the healthcare workers and the households.
The CAS further explained that the Home-based care in the informal settlements where households share small spaces will require identification of institutions within the community that meet the recommendations for providing such care and herein. ‘Nyumba Kumi’ Initiative can play a role in supporting the care in the community,” he added.
He appealed to non-governmental organizations, and other well-wishers to partner with the government in the fight against COVID-19 and urged all the stakeholders involved in the care of COVID-19 patients, to adhere to the guidelines, and ensure that they are cascaded to all informal caregivers of these patients, in order to ensure delivery of quality services to our citizens.
