Aga Khan University Hospital, Nairobi (AKUH, N) is offering free COVID-19 testing in Nairobi’s low income areas. This is part of the European Union funded project “Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) Regional Eastern Africa COVID-19 Response Partnership”.
The project will offer 16,000 PCR tests to the residents of Kibra, Mathare, Mukuru and Kawangware among others, over a six months’ period.
Rashid Khalani, AKUH, N Interim Chief Executive Officer, said that the project is part of the Hospital’s many initiatives aimed at supporting government efforts to curb the spread of COVID-19.
“Those who turn positive will receive counseling from our COVID-19 call centre. Our team of nurses will educate them on the COVID-19 symptoms and the importance of seeking care when necessary in a health facility near them,” added Mr Khalani.
Part of the project will involve creating awareness on the effective prevention measures against the virus with the objective of keeping families and communities safe.
“We are partnering with local leaders and other stakeholders to sensitize the public on the various hygiene protocols with the aim of minimizing community transmission,” added Mr Khalani.
Katrin Hagemann, Chargée d’Affaires, EU Delegation to Kenya said: “The European Union was among the first donors to step up and support Kenyans at the start of the pandemic and continues to do so. We believe that only if everyone can access information, testing and treatment, we have a chance to curb transmission rates. Therefore, I welcome the partnership with the Aga Khan Development Network and their commendable work.”
