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Evidence-Based Use of Therapeutics for Ambulatory Patients with COVID-19

EMKF

Currently only a few treatments available help mildly ill patients – people who have COVID-19 who do not require admission to hospital. Drugs like azithromycin, bamlanivimab, colchicine, hydroxychloroquine, ivermectin, lopinavir-ritonavir, and vitamin D do not help patients with COVID-19, and may cause harm. 

Dexamethasone, a steroid that can be given in pill form, may benefit patients who are at home but need supplemental oxygen, but does not help patients who are mildly ill who do not need supplemental oxygen. 

Budesonide, a steroid that can be inhaled (from a “puffer”), has no effect on whether patients with mild COVID-19 get sicker, are hospitalized, or die. But there is weak evidence that inhaled budesonide 800 mcg twice daily for 14 days may make patients feel better a few days earlier, so doctors may consider prescribing it.

Kenya Emergency Medical Care Policy 2020-2030

EMKF

The Ministry of Health, today, launched the Kenya Emergency Medical Care (EMC) Policy 2020-2030 and the Kenya Emergency Medical Care Strategy 2020-2025, to promote healthcare among citizens in need of emergency treatment. The Kenya Emergency Medical Care (EMC) Policy 2020-2030 is the first-ever policy in Kenya that seeks to establish a working Emergency Medical Care (EMC) System as a key component of the healthcare system in the country. The policy also speaks to the World Health Assembly resolution WHA 72.16 of 21 May 2019 which urged member states to create policies for sustainable funding, effective governance and universal access to safe, high-quality, needs-based emergency care for all as part of universal health coverage. In developing this policy, the Ministry of Health (MOH) aims to ensure access to the highest standards of emergency medical care in Kenya as envisioned in The Constitution of Kenya (2010) and the Health Act (2017) which guarantees every Kenyan the right to emergency medical treatment.

Community Health Workers in Emergency Care

EMKF
CHWs have shown great efficacy in reducing mortality and morbidity associated with multiple disease categories and help to fill healthcare worker shortages worldwide. Utilising CHWs to provide emergency care in the community requires a focus on their formal training and can strengthen the emergency care system overall.

Emergency Hotlines

EMKF
Emergency Hotlines establish a reliable fixed-line system that is able to improve emergency care and reduce mortality and morbidity through improved communication and collaboration with emergency care centres.

Effective Positioning of Emergency Care Centres in Kenya

EMKF
In order to provide quality emergency care, emergency care centres need to be developed with an understanding of current geographical disparities and careful planning to create a network of emergency care centres that is sufficient to meet the needs of the population. This is key to ensure country-wide access to emergency care within the “golden hour” window.