Publication date: May 8, 2024 08:07 (EAT)
Principal Secretary for Public Health and Professional Standards Mary Muthoni distributes water purification products on May 8, 2024 in Mathare.
The Ministry of Health, in collaboration with both the national and county governments, is stepping up efforts to address health concerns in Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps during the current period of heavy rains.
Principal Secretary for Public Health and Professional Standards Mary Muthoni visited the Masinde Muliro premises in Mathare with Nairobi County Government officials to assess the situation first-hand.
PS Muthoni acknowledged the increased risk of water-borne diseases due to water stagnation from heavy rains and stressed the importance of swift action to prevent a potential health crisis.
She emphasized the need for urgent interventions such as providing clean water to vulnerable communities and disseminating health information, especially in flood-affected areas.
Malaria is already a serious threat across the country and PS Muthoni stressed the need for proactive measures to curb its spread. She emphasized the role of community health promoters in educating residents about disease prevention and guiding them to get the support they need.
“Currently, malaria prevalence in the country is 6%, but it is likely to increase further in the future. We need to act quickly,” said PS Muthoni.
To address the urgent need for clean drinking water in internally displaced persons camps, PS Muthoni facilitated the donation of water purification products to ensure families have access to safe drinking water even during floods.
The Nairobi County Government has pledged to step up surveillance and distribution of humanitarian aid in the affected areas to reduce the spread of the disease.
Additionally, PS Muthoni assured affected Kenyans of proper medical care as part of the government's efforts to protect public health during this difficult time.
