Ministry of Health moves to combat disease outbreaks in flooded IDP camps

Public Health and Professional Standards Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni, along with officials from Nairobi County Government, visited the Masinde Muliro grounds in Mathare to assess the situation firsthand.

Recognizing the heightened risk of waterborne diseases due to stagnant water caused by heavy rains, PS Muthoni emphasized the importance of swift action to prevent a potential health crisis.

She highlighted the urgent need for interventions such as providing clean water and disseminating health information to vulnerable communities, particularly in flood-affected areas.

With malaria already posing a significant threat nationwide, PS Muthoni stressed the necessity of proactive measures to curb its spread. She underscored the role of Community Health Promoters in educating residents about disease prevention and guiding them to access necessary assistance.

“Currently, malaria prevalence in the country stands at 6% but this may go up. We need to act fast,” PS Muthoni noted.

To address the immediate need for clean drinking water in IDP camps, PS Muthoni facilitated the donation of water purification products to ensure families have access to safe drinking water amid the flooding.

The Nairobi County Government has pledged to enhance surveillance and humanitarian aid distribution in affected areas to mitigate the prevalence of diseases. 

Additionally, PS Muthoni assured affected Kenyans of adequate medical care as part of the government's commitment to safeguarding public health during this challenging period.