Health CAS Mercy Mwangangi on Wednesday, April 29, shared the story of a Covid-19 patient who recovered and was discharged that is slowly becoming the fate awaiting dozens of patients recovering from the disease.
Speaking during the press briefing from Afya House, the CAS disclosed that the man shared disturbing events of the treatment he and his family had received from the community since he was discharged.
"Just this morning, we had a briefing from one of our recovered cases from ICU.
"As he was telling his story, he shared disturbing events with regard to how he has been accepted back to the community, issues and experiences that have not been pleasant for him and his family," the CAS stated.
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Dr Mwangangi appealed to Kenyans to avoid stigmatising Covid-19 patients, families of victims and those who had recovered from the virus.
She explained that stigmatisation would make fewer Kenyans accept testing, which would frustrate efforts by the government to flatten the curve.
"We appeal for compassion in the community, understanding and even urge you to celebrate these people who have been able to go through such a scourge and come out and recover," she added.
The CAS stated that it was unfortunate that despite the constant appeal and massive education to ensure that those who recovered were accepted back in the community, some Kenyans had taken upon themselves to mistreat these individuals.
Watch a video of a recovered Covid-19 patient who has been shunned by her family:
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"We have recorded many recoveries of our people who have successfully been treated for the disease and were sent home. As we celebrate these recoveries, we are disturbed that re-integration has not been easy for these people.," she stated.
She appealed to Kenyans to warmly welcome and embrace individuals who had been discharged after recovery.
In the briefing, the CAS also stated that five patients had been discharged in the last 24 hours bringing the total number of recoveries to 129.
She added that 10 others had tested positive for the disease bringing the total number of cases to 384.
