Africa News of Thursday, 2 April 2020

Source: bbc.com

World Bank approves Kenya's $50m coronavirus loan

Kenya has enhanced public screenings for coronavirus Kenya has enhanced public screenings for coronavirus

Kenya will receive $50m (£40m) from the World Bank to fund efforts intended to prevent the spread of coronavirus.

Health Minister Mutahi Kagwe has said the amount will be used to procure protective gear for health workers, hand sanitisers as well as increasing bed capacity in hospitals.

Health workers have complained of a lack of adequate protective gear in hospitals, Kenya's Daily Nation newspaper reports.

The health ministry has confirmed that one health worker has tested positive - with local media reporting it had happened after the person came into contact with an infected patient.

Health workers’ union leaders have said medics need more protective gear and urged the government to supplement local production by waving import duty on materials needed to do so.

Kenya’s first coronavirus patient, who has since recovered, lauded health workers who handled her, saying they did well despite the challenges.