As the first cases of COVID-19 were confirmed in Kenya, SHOFCO, the non-profit of UBS Global Visionary Kennedy Odede, had already taken wide-ranging action to protect the health of the country's most vulnerable people.
"An outbreak in the slums would be catastrophic. Social distancing is just not possible," Kennedy told us. "SHOFCO's community-wide and community-led effort is taking aggressive measures on prevention and preparedness in all 10 urban slums where we work."
As part of those efforts, more than 140,000 SHOFCO Urban Network members have been mobilized to set up hand-washing stations, sew facemasks, distribute soap and run door-to-door awareness campaigns. Some of the initiatives in more detail:
Handwashing: SHOFCO has installed more than 100 handwashing stations at slum entry points, with hygiene information and volunteers instructing people to wash their hands to keep the virus out.
Awareness: Community volunteers have already reached some 10,000 households with information on staying healthy. SHOFCO is also combatting dangerous misinformation by collecting and responding to rumors.
Screening: TB screenings have been expanded to include symptoms that may indicate coronavirus infection. More than 4,000 people have been screened and two possible cases were found and referred to the Ministry of Health.
Clinics: SHOFCO's health clinics are stocking up on medical supplies and protective gear.
Soap: Artisans in the SHOFCO Women Empowerment Program (SWEP), a group of 80+ women living with HIV, have already produced more than 5,000 bottles of liquid soap, and plan to produce clothes and masks to protect health workers. Volunteers are distributing soap and hand sanitizers door-to-door.
Schools: Following government recommendations, SHOFCO has suspended classes at the Kibera and Mathare School for Girls.
Food: There have been spikes in prices and food shortages so SHOFCO is bulk-buying essentials to sell below retail price or distribute to the most needy. They are also providing meals to the students whose schools were closed and their families.
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