Western Kenya integrated COVID19 response leveraging community health strategy, youth and technology to flatten the curve and improve COVID19 case detection, isolation and management in Western Kenya

Global COVID19 infections have risen to close to 2 million with epicenters in Asia, Europe, and the USA. Africa was initially spared; however, this is changing rapidly. As of 12/4/20, 52 of the 54 African states have declared cases of COVID19, with a total of 13'814 cases and 747 deaths. Given the high prevalence of endemic diseases, chronic conflict, and fragile health systems, the potential devastation is immense. However, with early action, going big, fast, and focusing on community interventions, Africa can change its COVID19 trajectory. As of 12/4/20, Kenya reported a total of 197 cases with 7 deaths. Infections are moving towards Western Kenya. Siaya reported its first COVID19 related death on 12/4/20. Testing kits remain scarce, and the region has a total of 12 ICU beds. The status quo would lead to 70% of the population being infected with COVID19, 5% would require ventilatory support (25'000 patients in Kisumu and 35'000 patients in Siaya), overwhelming the health system. We will implement aggressive containment & prevention measures leveraging community health workers, youth, and technology and optimizing the care of patients with an integrated COVID19 response; to save lives