Kenyan doctors forced to reuse PPE

A recently published study from Kenya Legal and Ethical Issues Network (Kelin), says chronic shortages are forcing a majority of healthcare workers in Kenya battling the coronavirus pandemic to reuse personal protective equipment (PPE).

Most of those interviewed for the study said they lacked support from the government, and there was not the regular supply of PPE they needed to work safely.

Just 17.8% of those interviewed said they were regularly supplied with PPE, while just over half said they had received training on how to deal with a patient who has tested positive for the virus.

The World Health Organisation’s Emergency Operations Programme Manager, Dr Michel Yao, told reporters it was key government offered refresher training to healthcare workers, so they are best prepared to tackle Covid-19.

“The most important thing you do is rehearsal. If you don’t practice you can make a mistake and expose yourself as well as your families”, Dr Yao said.

[Photo: Getty Images]