Muthoni: Government ready to coordinate response to El Niño health risks
Muthoni said an inter-ministerial committee was already working on preparedness measures and coordinating advisories.
Nyeri, Kenya - Health Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni has announced that the Kenyan government is prepared to coordinate a response to potential health risks associated with the anticipated El Niño weather patterns. Speaking in Nyeri, Muthoni highlighted an existing inter-ministerial committee, chaired by the Deputy President, which is already engaged in preparedness measures and advising counties on relevant advisories.
The committee focuses on strengthening infrastructure, emergency preparedness, and mobilizing resources to prevent disease outbreaks resulting from heavy rains.
Muthoni emphasized the importance of personal and environmental hygiene, water and sanitation, and urged counties to take early action on drainage systems to prevent water blockage. She assured Kenyans that the government has systems and experience in handling such weather-related challenges, stating that this is not the first time they have encountered similar issues.
Muthoni underscored the significance of coordination between the national and county governments as a crucial element in preparedness and response efforts. She also mentioned that the government will collaborate with development partners and other ministries to strengthen their preparedness and response capacities. As the nation braces for the October-December rainfall season, health authorities are prioritizing preventive measures such as hygiene, water, and sanitation, along with strengthening the readiness for possible disease outbreaks.
Written by urgent.news from Capital FM Kenya's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
