The Ministry of Health has received emergency health supplies worth approximately Ksh 10 million from the World Health Organization to strengthen Kenya’s response to the flooding caused by the ongoing March – April – May long rains season.
The kits were handed over during a ceremony at Afya House in Nairobi, where WHO Kenya Acting Representative Dr. Neema Rusibamayila Kimambo presented the donation to Secretary Administration Mr Adan Halakhe.
He received them on behalf of Cabinet Secretary for Health Aden Duale.
Speaking on the occasion, CS Duale welcomed the contribution, saying it would strengthen the country’s ability to manage public health risks arising from the floods.
He noted that the kits, which contain essential medicines, medical supplies and life-saving equipment, will enable frontline health workers to provide critical care, manage disease outbreaks and sustain health services in the areas most affected by the rains.
The CS acknowledged that the ongoing rains have caused widespread flooding across several counties, leading to the displacement of families, disruption of services and a heightened risk of disease outbreaks.
He reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to protecting the health and wellbeing of all Kenyans.
He also added that the Ministry, in collaboration with county governments and development partners, has activated emergency preparedness and response mechanisms to ensure timely delivery of health services to vulnerable communities.
Among the measures already underway are strengthened disease surveillance, deployment of rapid response teams, ensuring adequate supplies of essential medicines and stepped-up public awareness campaigns on preventive health practices during the rainy season.
Members of the public have been called upon to maintain proper hygiene, use safe water, sleep under treated mosquito nets and seek early medical attention whenever they feel unwell.
On her part, Dr Kimambo conveyed condolences to families affected by the floods and reaffirmed WHO’s dedication to supporting Kenya’s emergency response.
She highlighted that flooding in various counties had severely disrupted access to clean water, sanitation and essential health services, raising the risk of diseases such as cholera and malaria.
The emergency supplies handed over include cholera case management kits, rapid diagnostic and investigation kits, water treatment supplies and trauma kits, all of which are expected to serve approximately 5,000 people in the hardest-hit areas.
