Health Ministry urges outbreak preparedness ahead of El Niño rains
Counties and other health departments urged to strengthen surveillance, immunisation and response measures. The post Health Ministry urges outbreak preparedness ahead of El Niño rains appeared first on KBC Digital .
The Ministry of Health is urging a heightened state of readiness to confront disease outbreaks and health hazards that may arise from the impending El Niño rains. Public Health PS Mary Muthoni has urged counties and other health departments to bolster their surveillance, vaccination and response mechanisms. Addressing this at a routine management meeting, Muthoni stressed the need for Kenya to stay vigilant against Mpox, measles and polio, along with Ebola at Points of Entry.
As of September 12, 2026, Kenya has recorded 1,309 confirmed Mpox cases resulting in 19 deaths across 40 counties. Additionally, there have been 469 measles cases, with one death reported. One case of circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus type 2 has been confirmed in Dadaab, Garissa County. Muthoni also stressed the importance of preparing for water- and vector-borne diseases that are likely to proliferate due to the anticipated El Niño rains.
She called on counties to strengthen their preparedness, vaccination efforts, community involvement and protection of health workers. Muthoni also advocated for coordinated efforts by Semi-Autonomous Government Agencies (SAGAs), directorates and divisions to aid public health prevention, primary healthcare, health security and climate resilience.
She further urged stakeholders to aid preparations for the Kenya Public Health International Conference (KEPHIC) 2026, which is scheduled to take place from October 27 to 29, 2026.
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