TB patients forced to source drugs online in corona period
George Kebaso @Morarak
Tuberculosis (TB) patients were forced to turn to online outlets to access drugs during Covid-19 pandemic.
A survey has shown TB patients had fears of contracting the virus as well as lack of attendant healthcare workers.
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The report dubbed ‘Impact of Covid- 19 on the TB epidemic in Kenya’, released yesterday through a zoom meeting painted a grim picture of the pandemic on treatment of TB, but also showed a successful use of innovative solutions in telemedicine.
“More than 50 per cent of TB patients in Kenya who feared contracting the virus at a health facility relied on digital platforms including social media, applications and mobile phones in receiving their medication,” part of the study.
Conducted between May and July, the survey reveals that Covid-19 had an enormous impact on the number of people seeking and receiving healthcare.
“About 50 per cent of people with TB reported having trouble finding transport to care facilities with 75 per cent of advocates from Global Fund eligible countries, Kenya included, reporting a decrease in TB testing during the pandemic.
About 73 per cent others reported that people with TB were facing significant challenges accessing treatment and care,” the survey.
The report was championed by a partnership of 11 local and international civil society organisations said.
