Vaccine manufacturer AstraZeneca has donated 300 nebulizers to health facilities across the country to help manage asthma.
Dr. Silvya Vito, AstraZeneca’s Head of Africa Acceleration said the donation targets all referral hospitals in the country adding that Kenya was among the 15 countries earmarked from the program in Africa.
The initiative, she said aims to ensure that asthma patients breathe better at a time the country is grappling with rising Covid-19 cases.
“Asthma can be managed if detected and attended to early. With this equipment we target to enable patients to breathe better so that they can live normal lives,” she said.
Speaking at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH) in Kisumu on Tuesday, Dr. Vito reiterated AstraZeneca’s commitment to support the country’s battle against Covid-19 and other respiratory diseases.
The organization donated ten nebulizers to Kisumu and is expected to set up ten stations within the county to support management of asthma.
Kisumu County Director of Public Health Fred Oluoch said the equipment will go a long way to alleviate the suffering of asthma patients in the area.
The county, he said records an average 30, 000 asthma cases annually adding that through the support patients will get quality care and treatment at the selected public hospitals.
By Chris Mahandara
