NAIROBI, Oct 14 (NNN-KBC) — Kenya is set to receive mpox sample collection kits to support accurate and timely diagnostic testing.
The kits from key partners including the World Health Organization Country Representative (WHO) and USAID will facilitate rapid detection and response to the mpox outbreak in the country.
Health Cabinet Secretary Dr Deborah Barasa graced the handing-over ceremony held at Afya House.
Kenya has so far reported 12 mpox cases; five of which are currently on management while seven have fully recovered.
The cases are distributed into different counties namely; Nakuru with 2 cases, Kajiado two, Taita Taveta, Busia, Mombasa, Bungoma, Kericho, Kilifi and Nairobi with one case each.
No Malburg case has been reported despite receiving an alert from WHO on the Marburg Virus Disease.
However, the country is on high alert following an outbreak in Rwanda with the Ministry of Health urging Kenyans to remain vigilant and report any unusual fever and bleeding symptoms, especially among persons with recent travel to affected areas.
Health CS Barasa said the alert is in relation to the strong air and road connections with Rwanda as a result of the daily flights and frequent road travel and trade routes.
The event will also showcase the Ministry’s continued efforts to combat Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) and address emerging public health challenges such as Mpox and Marburg.
The Ministry will also receive drugs for mass drug administration (MDA) which are vital to help control and eliminate NTDs.
This follows the arrival of 15 million tablets for Neglected Tropical Disease in the country last week.
WHO said the medicines will help combat diseases like Schistosomiasis and Soil-transmitted helminth (STH).
Kenya is committed to eradicating Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) by 2030, and with support from partners has intensified efforts to achieve the goal.
At the beginning of this year, MOH laid out strategic measures to combat six debilitating NTDs—Schistosomiasis, Intestinal Worms, Lymphatic Filariasis, River Blindness, Visceral Leishmaniasis, and Trachoma.
The five-year National Master Plan for Elimination of Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) 2023-2027 guides a multi-sectoral collaborative effort to free the country from the shackles of NTDs.
Kenya targets to transition from disease-specific interventions to an integrated approach, optimizing resources and minimizing duplication of effort in the next five years.
The master plan delineates key strategies, interventions, targets, roles, and responsibilities to ensure a coordinated and effective approach to the prevention, control and elimination of NTDs. — NNN-KBC
