In Kenya’s Tana River county, a total of 44 cholera cases have been documented, heightening concerns as flooding elevates the risk of waterborne illnesses.
According to a statement from the World Health Organization (WHO), which provides the figures, Kenyan authorities, in collaboration with WHO and other organizations, have been closely monitoring the health situation and response nationwide following the floods.
The flooding has impacted over a quarter of a million individuals, with 238 fatalities recorded across the country. Tana River county stands out as one of the worst-hit areas by the flooding.
Mary Muthoni, Kenya’s Health Principal Secretary, emphasized the urgent need to address the looming threat of waterborne diseases potentially spiraling into a catastrophe.
Ms. Muthoni conveyed these concerns while distributing water purification products alongside other health officials in the capital, Nairobi.
She underscored the heightened risk of diseases stemming from food contamination and unsafe food sources, exacerbated by the floods.
In response, WHO reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the government’s emergency efforts and maintaining vigilance against potential disease outbreaks that could rapidly spread if not promptly contained.
The organization disclosed its procurement of approximately 87 cholera kits, 58 inter-agency kits, and 20 pneumonia kits, slated for distribution to key counties, capable of treating roughly 10,000 individuals.
