The county government of Mombasa has received a major boost in it's fight against the deadly coronavirus. This is after the United States Agency for International Developement (USAID) today (Sunday) donated 14 new state of the art ventilators worth sh 40 million.
The donation which also included a toyota landcruiser was presneted by the USAID Mission Director for Kenya and East Africa, Mr Mark Meassick at the governor's office and received by the Deputy governor Dr William Kingi.
In his speech via a video zoom link Joho said the donation is timely as the county and country at large is witnessing the second wave of coronavirus infections,saying his administration will institute prudent management of the donation.
"This donation is timely and will be a major boost in our effort to combat the virus. I promise you that the donation will be utilised for it's purpose of saving lives. We had burdetary issues but that has been taken care of " said Joho who was on an arm sling.
Adding "I'm so sad that I cannot be able to physically see the vehicle and donations that will be helping our people. I'm trying to be young I was doing some boxing at some place and injured my arm but I hope to see you when I recover."
On his part Mr Mark Meassick commended the county government for it's efforts in combating spread of the virus adding that they will also be training health care workers on how to use them.
He said "USAID continues to work closely with Kenya to curb the spread of COVID-19, maintain essential public health services, and help Kenyans cope with the secondary impacts of this pandemic."
Speaking at the same time Coast Provincial General Hospital Administrator Dr Iqbal Khandwalla said it was time an open field hospital be put up to manage future surge in infections.
This is after the closure of the 300 bed unit at the Technical University of Mombasa (TUM) which had served as temporary reprieve to manage coronavirus patients due to the reopening of learning institutions.
Khandwala revealed the county is recording daily infections averaging from 120-140.
"This is an increase in infections that needs serious intervention. We currently have a challenge in accessing demand for oxygen use with three day use averaging sh 600,000. Private hospitals are now full." Said Khandwalla
