COVID-19 - sept/oct 2021 UPDATE
from kathie mann

I have just returned from a very successful visit to Kenya.  Since teams had not traveled in over 22 months, it was time for me to see firsthand what the future holds for returning to Kenya. There are lots of Covid procedures in place now from showing vaccination records, getting tested, filling out paperwork and wearing masks.  But all these protocols make travel safer than without these new normals. 

The hospital has had few COVID cases and those who were admitted were treated and sent home healthy.   We felt very safe everywhere we traveled as people are still social distancing, wearing masks and beginning to get vaccinated.  The hospital is designated as a government vaccination center and as vaccine is made available will be treating the community. 

I felt that possibly the MAUA area has been spared the worst of Covid because almost everything the people do is outside: green market, butchery and even the clothes markets are outside!  Kenyans have always been good about washing their hands so that also has helped stem the spread of COVID.  The hospital is ready to have teams visit again be in mission to the community. 

COVID-19 - JUNE 2021 UPDATE

The County Government Department of Health assisted us to get the first dose of AstraZeneca vaccine last month. Nearly 75% of us(staff) received the first dose and are due for the second dose in June. We were getting worried as we hadn’t received our second dose, but we just received enough vaccine from Sudan to give a second shot to the staff.

Regarding the COVID situation, COVID infections are much more common in our community now. By God's mercy, no staff was infected last year. However, some have been infected recently, and fortunately all staff affected recovered well. Some in the community have not been so fortunate. Several people in the Maua community have died from COVID infections including people that I know.
We do not have enough oxygen or ICU facilities to accept COVID patients who need intubation or ICU facilities. We take care of those who do not have severe illness and refer those who need intensive care elsewhere.

The negative effects of the COVID pandemic are also with us. The hospital income is down, and our senior staff must live with reduced salaries.  We have been able to pay part of wages and medical supplies only because of the generous support of Friends of Maua Hospital and others.  I have continuously been reminded of the guarantee of God's provision during this time, more than ever before.  We are truly grateful. The COVID infections nationally have not abated. We have been informed by the Ministry of Health to expect a surge in infections in the month of July. Testing of infections is done only through sampling due to shortage of testing kits. So whatever reports we have are only estimates.

One thing we have not lost is hope. For MMH, we are preparing for the times to get better. We hope to open a newly renovated Outpatient department with better patient flows in mid-July and a refurbished Female ward through the generosity of our partners, AMH and CBN (Christian Broadcasting network)

We ask that you continue praying for us!  We thank God for any additional help we can get. May the Lord protect you and keep you safe as you serve His dearly loved people.
Justus Marete, CEO of MMH

COVID-19 - aPRIL 2021 UPDATE

Maua Methodist Hospital has just announced that the 3rd Covid-19 wave is affecting the whole area. The CEO, Justus Marete, sent news that the staff is being vaccinated and soon the hospital will be able to give vaccinations to the public. They are following strict protocols for Covid by using all the PPE’s required. The infection rate is higher than the previous waves. PLEASE PRAY for our brothers and sisters in Kenya!

COVID-19 - December 2020 Updates

ON THE COVID WARD IN KENYA with DR. JON FIELDER

Dr. Jon Fielder compares and contrasts the current situation in Kenya at Kijabe and Maua Hospitals
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Kenya orders 24 million doses of Covid-19 vaccine

• Doses to arrive early next year, to cover 20 per cent of Kenya's population  

•The announcement means Kenya has applied for the largest number of doses in East Africa.
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UMVIM COVID RECOMMENDATIONS for TRAVELERS

Our first General Rule as United Methodists is to “do no harm.” This extends to our mission relationships. We want to “do no harm” to our volunteers or the ones they serve. Our goal as United Methodist Volunteers In Mission is to minimize COVID-19 infections spread by United Methodist activity.
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