She convinced about 25 of these mothers to overcome their fears - and earned the nickname "community ambulance" because she rushed from family to family. She recalls how many pregnant women were afraid to visit a health facility for prenatal care during the pandemic lest they contract COVID and possibly die - or test positive for the virus and face quarantine. "To me, I can say it is a good announcement indeed as it will finally open avenues where people can interact freely." He says he will continue taking measures to protect his health: "Considering my age, I would not want to risk going to places that have crowds."ĭuring the pandemic, Judith Shitabule earned the nickname "community ambulance" as she hurried from home to home to offer health-care advice to expectant mothers and others. "I am now informed." But the news is not going to change his behavior. "Most people on the ground don't even have that information," he says with a smile. They were unaware of the pronouncement – but once they found out they had strong opinions.Ībdala Hamadi, 71, was shocked to hear the news of the WHO announcement. People shop for meat (hanging in the windows of butcheries), produce, electronics, and food cooked up on the spot.īwire asked people what they think of the news that on Friday, WHO declared the public health emergency of COVID-19 is officially over. ![]() They typically don't have electricity or running water.īut it's also a vibrant neighborhood, abuzz with Afrobeat music blasting from big black speakers hooked up to radios in the shops. Many of the small homes have mud walls while some are crafted from sheet metal. In Kibera, signs of poverty are visible – like the many potholes and the gutters by the side of the main dirt roads, with water and sewage running down them. We sent journalist Thomas Bwire to interview residents of Kibera, often referred to as the biggest slum in Africa and home to an estimated 800,000 people and neighboring communities. Bottow row from left: Phillister Atieno, Father Ignacio Flores Garcia and Valary Judith Atieno. ![]() Top row from left: Abdala Hamadi, Judith Shitabule and Innocent Agwenyi. Journalist Thomas Bwire asked these Kenyans how the pandemic has changed their lives.
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