WE REACH CBO donates to the County government to combat COVID-19 in Kenya
WE REACH CBO joined the County Government of Kakamega in Kenya’s efforts to combat the COVID-19 disease by donating liquid soap for hand washing to be distributed to various health facilities and isolation centres across Kakamega.
This was in response to an appeal made by the Kakamega County Director of Health asking partners in the County to help fill the gap in the shortage materials to combat COVID-19 so preventing the spread of the disease.
Speaking when receiving the donations, County Public Health Officer Mr. Indeje and County Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Coordinator Mr. Kevin expressed happiness with the commitment from WE REACH CBO in helping the fight against COVID-19.
“With this kind of support by WE REACH CBO we are now able to gradually address the shortage of COVID-19 materials. It will go along way to help us fight this pandemic in our County. We therefore appreciate your support and we will continue to do so until we win the war against this disease,’’ Said Mr. Indeje “We thank you for that.”
Speaking during the donation WE REACH CBO Executive Director Erick Bosire said, “Today we have donated 250 litres of liquid handwashing soap to be distributed to various health facilities and isolation centres and we will continue to partner with government especially in this fight against COVID-19 disease.
“We all need to double our efforts and do whatever it takes to make sure we overcome this fight. The coronavirus, if not halted, will have a vast negative impact on the most vulnerable communities, and poses a risk to efforts and progress to improving the health and wellbeing of people in our community”. ‘As an organisation are working in collaboration with government and other organisations to prevent the spread of the virus and reduce its effects on the most vulnerable’.
WE REACH CBO operates within Lurambi Sub County in Kakamega County by improving school children’s health and disease prevention through the delivery of Water and Sanitation Hygiene using sustainable and community led solutions.
What you should know about COVID-19 to protect yourself and others
Know about COVID-19
Coronavirus (COVID-19) is an illness caused by a virus that can spread from person to person.
The virus that causes COVID-19 is a new coronavirus that has spread throughout the world.
COVID-19 symptoms can range from mild (or no symptoms) to severe illness and death. Know how COVID-19 is spread
You can become infected by coming into close contact (about 6 feet or two arm lengths) with a person who has COVID-19. COVID-19 is primarily spread from person to person.
You can become infected from respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks.
You may also be able to get it by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it, and then by touching your mouth, nose, or eyes.
Protect yourself and others from COVID-19There is currently no vaccine to protect against COVID-19. The best way to protect yourself is to avoid being exposed to the virus that causes COVID-19.
Stay home as much as possible and avoid close contact with others.
Wear a cloth face/mask covering that covers your nose and mouth in public settings.
·Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces.
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use an alcohol- based hand sanitiser that contains at least 60% alcohol.
Practice social distancing
Use mobile money transfer service such as MPESA for your transactions and complete banking activities online when possible.
If you must go in person, stay at least 6 feet away from others and disinfect items you must touch.
Get deliveries and takeout, and limit in-person contact as much as possible.
Prevent the spread of COVID-19 if you are sick
Stay home if you are sick, except to get medical care.
Avoid public transportation, ride sharing, or taxis.
Separate yourself from other people and pets in your home.
There is no specific treatment for COVID-19, but you can seek medical care to help relieve your symptoms.
If you need medical attention, call 719
Know your risk for severe illness
Everyone is at risk of getting COVID-19.
Older adults and people of any age who have serious underlying medical conditions may be at higher risk for more severe illness
Engaging Stakeholders on WASH Project in Primary Schools
WE REACH has been engaging with the County government of Kakamega through the Ministry of Health (MOH) and Ministry of Education (MOE) right from the start of the project. WE REACH held an introductory meeting with representatives of the two ministries whereby various WASH issues in primary schools were discussed. The County Director of Public Health who was present noted that there is need to address poor condition of Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) in primary schools and therefore welcomes all partners who supports this course. During this meeting with the ministries, 10 schools were prioritised for the pilot project. From our baseline survey (2019) that we conducted in these schools; we noted two things i.e. school stakeholders are not WASH innovative, lack of ownership of school health. Therefore, need for more sensitisation and training of school management stakeholders as school Board of Management (BOM) members, teachers and children.
WE REACH believes in sustainability of any project. This project is designed to educate BOM members on their role in school health using government set standards and policies (Kenya School Health Policy). This approach empowers them to become their own advocates in addressing sanitation and hygiene challenges facing their respective schools. Teachers are also trained as WASH champions to ensure that they lead WASH activities and school health clubs. Children are also trained through health clubs on good hygiene practices using skill-based approach CHAST (Child Hygiene and Sanitation Training). These interventions ensure continuity of the project and that all school stakeholders own the project. This will be good for these schools when WE REACH ends the project.
Towards this end, WE REACH has already conducted two BOM members training meetings with Emulele and Esokone primary schools. The meetings were attended by Sub County WASH Coordinator Dorice Ogweche and UK based WE REACH consultant Steve Ashton. It was noted that there is a big gap in WASH knowledge and skills among the BOM Members in schools as well as members do not know their roles in school health. But with clear understanding of roles and responsibilities, the BOM members can help in eliminating water related diseases by setting good health standards in schools.
At the moment all schools are closed due to the Coronavirus pandemic but we will continue the training immediately schools are reopened.