Covid 19 has infected millions of people across the world, has caused untold hardships and literally changed the lives of almost everyone. It is no different in Matangwe, Kenya. While the current number of cases and deaths in Kenya is not as large as in many countries, it remains a major threat and has disrupted the lives of Kenyans from the large cities to the small communities such as Matangwe. Some of the effects are detailed below:
HEALTH CARE
The Matangwe hospital has not had any cases identified at this time but there have been cases at nearby Hospitals. This has had the effect of increasing volumes at Matangwe as many were concerned with attending the impacted Hospitals out of fear of becoming infected with Covid 19. In Matangwe there are many vulnerable individuals, including the elderly, those who are immunocompromised due to HIV/Aids or those individuals suffering from other communicable diseases such as malaria and tuberculosis. In early March the Matangwe Hospital put into place many processes to both screen for Covid and to protect the patients and staff. This has meant an increase in costs for security services, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and redesigning the spaces to maintain distance between patients and provide isolation opportunities.
EDUCATION
Kenyan schools have been closed since March 2020, with no return date identified. This has had a direct impact on all of the students sponsored through the CPG Sponsorship program. Since the schools closed, the lunch program that was so important for our primary school students has ceased, given the requirement for self-isolation. For many of the children this was the major source of healthy food in their diet and there is concern about food security during this time. We are currently exploring options for restoring the lunch program in a different format that can meet the public health standards.
ECONOMIC IMPACTS
MCDHP had to temporarily close their morgue and funeral home in response to the restriction of assembly guidelines. This resulted in a more than 25 percent loss of revenue generation and lay off of 3 staff. With no government support in place for loss of employment or business income due to Covid, there is an ongoing challenge to support day to day operations.
VULNERABLE POPULATIONS
We are thankful to the team at MCHDP for responding to meet the needs of isolated elderly in the community through regular wellness checks and spiritual care, daily meal deliveries, support with housekeeping and personal care. As well, sponsored orphaned primary school students continue to thrive in foster care in a stable environment while awaiting to return to their respective boarding schools.
