The Ministry of Health Kenya has received emergency health kits valued at approximately Sh10 million from the World Health Organization (WHO) to support the country’s response to the ongoing March–April–May long rains and flooding affecting several regions.
The donation was received on behalf of Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale by Secretary Administration Adan Halakhe from WHO Kenya Acting Representative Neema Rusibamayila Kimambo during a handover ceremony held at Afya House in Nairobi.
In his remarks, Duale thanked WHO for the timely support, saying it would strengthen Kenya’s capacity to respond to public health risks linked to flooding.
“The emergency kits will support frontline health workers in providing critical care, managing disease outbreaks and maintaining essential health services in affected areas,” Duale said.
He noted that the ongoing long rains have caused flooding in several counties, leading to displacement of families, disruption of services and an increased risk of disease outbreaks.
“The Government remains committed to protecting the health and wellbeing of all Kenyans. We have activated emergency preparedness and response mechanisms to ensure communities at risk receive timely health services,” he added.
According to the Ministry, the emergency kits contain essential medicines, medical supplies and life-saving equipment, and are expected to support healthcare delivery in the most affected areas.
The government, in collaboration with county governments and partners, has also intensified disease surveillance, deployed rapid response teams and ensured the availability of essential medicines.
Members of the public have been urged to remain vigilant during the rainy season.
“We call on Kenyans to maintain proper hygiene, use safe water, sleep under treated mosquito nets and seek early medical care when they experience symptoms of illness,” Duale said.
Speaking during the event, Kimambo expressed condolences to families affected by the floods and reaffirmed WHO’s support to Kenya.
“Flooding has disrupted access to safe water, sanitation and essential health services, increasing the risk of diseases such as cholera and malaria,” she said.
The emergency supplies include cholera case management kits, rapid diagnostic and investigation kits, water treatment supplies and trauma kits, which are expected to support health services for about 5,000 people in the hardest-hit areas.
The event was attended by Director of Public Health Stephen Muleshe, WHO officials and senior Ministry of Health representatives.
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