Let’s address systemic gaps to curb coronavirus

Kenyans are asking many questions about coronavirus now that we have confirmed Covid-19 cases since last week. The immediate one is on quarantine and how it plays out within our context considering that we have several systemic gaps. Many people panicked because we all know that our health sector is vulnerable.

In Kenya, preventable and curable diseases can cost you your life. Furthermore, real care has never been part of our institutions that often abandon people at their time of need. So telling people not to panic without demonstrated action that mitigates the risk of a viral pandemic is, simply, not good enough.

EXPERTS
The work then becomes ensuring that all platforms that are being used to discuss and disseminate any information on the virus are occupied by experts. The translation of this information to our local languages is also a necessity. This way, the country gets some type of central script that aids in reducing not just the panic but also creates a balance while people try to reduce their risk of infection.

Furthermore, quarantine has its challenges, especially when restricting the movement of people is expected to happen within dysfunctional systems.

When there’s no dependability, reliability or consistency in supply of a vital amenity such as water, how do hospitals and homes operate?

How do majority households practically restrict their movements or engage in no movement at all when, for them, movement means food on the table and no movement means starvation?

How do recurring bills get paid by those who aren’t formally employed? Are there plans to support people who depend on daily income? What happens within densely populated areas as regards to disinfection and sanitation to curb the virus spread?

SUPPORT
However, I am also aware that government needs to firmly support people to ensure effective self-quarantine. For example, lowering the costs of commodities so that many families can afford the basics even with less income is a great way to start. People are growing anxious over the tangible consequences of reduced or zero income on their survival.

This requires good leadership to allay the fears.

Kenya can learn from countries like Taiwan and Singapore. The former is reported to have a relatively low spread of coronavirus despite its proximity to China.

Taiwan launched and updated emergency measures, activated a response command centre, imposed swift travel bans and effective quarantines, among other things.

Singapore, with 243 cases, has recorded zero deaths. The measures taken by Singapore include properly isolating the infected, aggressive contact-tracing procedures, levying tough penalties for not following quarantines, establishing effective communication and response.

The fact is, coronavirus is here and it’s time our leaders demonstrated true leadership.

The writer is a policy analyst; [email protected]