The coronavirus continues to be a major concern for the people of Kasambara-Gilgil and Rhine Valley Hospital. However, it must not be forgotten that the fight against HIV and the treatment of people suffering from AIDS must not be neglected.
Since the global outbreak of the highly contagious coronavirus, normality has changed in Kenya as well. Particularly affected are those clinics that provide comprehensive care for people living with HIV or AIDS. Their services are not part of primary health care.
Since the immune system of people suffering from AIDS is very limited, these people need to be protected from the coronavirus even more than others.
Consequently, the team at Rhine Valley Hospital reviewed the records of its HIV patients and contacted them. The aim was to find out how much each individual is acutely burdened with the HI virus. Further, the duration of the weekly routine examination was extended by three or four months. This means that the administration of the medication, as specified by the Department of Health, is now guaranteed for longer.
The result of the screening was encouraging. All patients presented in July and August, and viral load suppression can be described as good in each.
The Ministry of Health has taken another step in training healthy volunteers of the Kasambara region. People living with both HIV and tuberculosis should receive more help. Volunteers pick up medications intended for the affected group at a facility and take them to the designated patient. This allows them to stay at home and is better protected against infection with the coronavirus.
The people of Kasambara-Gilgil are fortunate to be able to count on the support of Rhine Valley Hospital. This allows them to still be in the vicinity of their treatment site.
