Document Type
Brief
Publication Date
11-12-2020
Abstract
Between August 15 and 18, 2020, a COVID-19 phone survey was completed with 858 adults in Kisumu, Kenya, a densely populated port city on Lake Victoria. The households were part the DREAMS program and evaluation cohort. The COVID-19 pandemic and associated social distancing and lockdown measures have had a large economic, health, and social impact on respondents. Many are earning less income due to COVID-19, and a substantial percentage report experiencing food insecurity. Relative to need, very few adults are receiving assistance. Among the recommendations in this brief are that public education campaigns focus on addressing stigma, and that those who test positive for COVID-19 receive needed food and medical care. Government and NGO assistance to adults in Kisumu has been minimal despite large numbers forgoing meals and experiencing income loss. Assistance in the form of food, vouchers, or cash should be provided and targeted to those with greatest need. Resources to address the high increases in violence and tension, both in the community and within households are needed.
DOI
10.31899/pgy17.1003
Language
English
Recommended Citation
"Kisumu, Kenya: Adult COVID-19 perceptions, prevention practices and impact—Responses from the first round of adult data collection in Kisumu, Kenya," COVID-19 Research & Evaluations brief. Nairobi: Population Council, 2020.
Project
Responding to the COVID-19 Pandemic