El Niño rains: PS Muthoni tells parents to protect their children from waterborne diseases

Kenya's Principal Secretary for Public Health, Mary Muthoni Muriuki, has advised parents to safeguard their children as the country anticipates heavy El Niño rains, which could lead to an upswing in waterborne diseases. Addressing audiences on Sunday, Muthoni highlighted how flooding could expose youngsters to hazardous water and contaminated drinking water, potentially sparking outbreaks of diseases like cholera and typhoid. The Ministry of Health has already initiated El Niño preparedness protocols across all 47 counties.

Muthoni stressed the importance of parental vigilance, particularly in flood-prone zones, urging guardians to accompany their children to school when needed, and to guide them safely through flooded areas. She also emphasized the necessity of ensuring drinking water safety, suggesting boiling or chlorinating water to eliminate potential contaminants.

The Health Ministry has cautioned that heavy rainfall may contaminate wells, boreholes, and other water sources, heightening the risk of cholera, typhoid, dysentery, and other waterborne maladies.

Muthoni further cautioned Kenyans displaying symptoms of illness to seek appropriate medical care, stating that self-medication at pharmacies or chemists without professional prescriptions is unwise. She underscored the importance of obtaining a doctor's prescription or confirmation from a skilled health worker. Nairobi North County Commissioner Simon Asumba reported that government agencies had successfully conducted an El Niño disaster response simulation, concluding that the level of preparedness was commendable.

Asumba reported that agencies had refined their response strategies and were ready to act in the event that flooding displaces residents. Additionally, he informed that the National Police Service had been briefed to maintain order at temporary holding areas for affected families.

Kenya's health authorities have warned that the anticipated rains could spur disease outbreaks, increase mosquito breeding, and strain health services, making proactive household preparation paramount.