By Alie Eleveld | Founder SWAP and Technical Advisor
1.0 Introduction
Safe Water and AIDS Project (SWAP) has been operating in Western Kenya since 2005 with public health programs, research and emergency response. SWAP's mission is to provide innovative solutions for improved health and economic status of communities. SWAP has a wealth of experience in public health interventions and has worked in collaboration with County Health Management Teams to respond to outbreaks such as COVID-19 and Cholera.
2.0 Production and sales of Alcohol Based Hand Rub (ABHR) and Liquid Soap
SWAP received permits from the Kenya Bureau of Standards for the production, packaging and distribution of Alcohol Based Hand Rub and Liquid Soap. This reporting period we had sufficient stock of ABHR because after COVID-19 cases reduced the product is less on demand. However emergency stock is safely stored in case of any disease outbreak.
The Liquid Soap is very high on demand. It is not only used for hand hygiene but also for general cleaning purposes. On monthly basis the lab technicians produce, package and transfer to the store in readiness for distributions. The packaging is done in 5 liters and 150 ml. There are various distribution channels. Community Health Promoters attached to the health facilities promote these products door to door and health stakeholders who procure both ABHR and Liquid soap to support health care facilities to reduce hospital acquired infections and promote hand hygiene.
3.0 STREAM Chlorine Generators at Health Care Facilities
The lab team previously trained health care workers and installed STREAM disinfectant generators at 7 health care facilities in all sub counties of Kisumu Sub County in Western Kenya for infection prevention and control. One remained in our lab to support during disease outbreaks and for internal use of chlorine at SWAPs Headquarters. It generates chlorine using salt and water and supports facilities to reduce hospital acquired infections and prevent disease outbreaks. Chlorine is used for cleaning surfaces, treating water and disinfecting laundry. The Hospitals used to have interrupted and limited supplies of the same and can now make their own. On average, each facility produces up to 1,000 litres of chlorine per month and they support the surrounding smaller dispensaries and health centers.
The Hospitals have reported reduced hospital acquired infections and really appreciated this support. For that reason we received a donation of two additional STREAM chlorine generators which will be installed at Migori County Hospital and Nyatike Sub County Hospital in Western Kenya/ These facilities were recently affected by the cholera epidemic. They serve low income population in rural and underserved area. Currently our team has introduced this intervention to the County and Sub County Health Management Teams and training on how to use the STREAM Chlorine generators is ongoing for the two Hospital Management Teams and selected staff who will be responsible for the production
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