The government has expressed concern with stigmatization surrounding the Coronavirus, with Kenyans who are suspected of having the virus and those recovering treated unfairly. Speaking to the press, Health CAS Dr. Mercy Mwangangi said Covid-19 is like any other disease and stigmatization hampers the war against the disease, “Stigma will not go a long way in terms of combating this disease.”
She said some people are seen taking pictures of vehicles and ambulances ferrying Covid-19 patients and also share pictures and videos of Covid-19 patients, adding that this has led to profiling of the patients, “Getting this disease is not a crime and those who are infected are not criminals. It’s important we note that this virus can be contracted by anyone,” she said.
The CAS noted that stigmatization doesn’t add value to the fight against Covid-19 and makes it harder for some to maintain containment measures. As of Tuesday, Kenya had recorded 10,791 positive Coronavirus cases, with fatalities at 202 and recoveries at 3,017.