Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha has expressed confidence in the efforts Lamu County government is making to mitigate cholera outbreak in the region.
The outbreak has so far claimed three lives in the county since it was declared on November 5, 2023, more than 63 cases were confirmed and isolated for specialised treatment at the King Fahd Hospital.
The outbreak has seen 113 cumulative cases in Kashmir and India areas.
The county government has also dispatched community health promoters to provide primary healthcare and public health measures such as chlorination of all wells within the county.
"Based on evidence by the Lamu medical services and public health department there has been a significant reduction in some cholera cases with 63 confirmed cases and only five being admitted at the King Fahd Hospital," Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha said.
She revealed that the Health Ministry has engaged the county government in distributing three cholera kits and 6,000 nets to curb malaria.
The Health CS further stated that the Health Ministry will be dispatching a technical team to aid the county government in managing waterborne diseases.
"The national government will be donating an oxygen concentrator as well as dispatching an obstetrician to aid in handling gynaecology cases such as cesarean births," she said.
"The government is evaluating the possibility of upgrading the facilities at King Fahd from Level 4 to Level 5, to bring in functioning equipment for the renal unit and the CT scans since those provided by Managed Equipment Services have failed."
Her sentiments were echoed by Lamu County Governor Issa Timamy who further lauded the Community Health Promoters in their efforts in providing primary health care services.
He further stated that the county has set aside Sh40 million to tackle relief efforts and waterborne diseases caused by the prevailing El Nino rains.
"A total of 2,157 wells have been chlorinated under the diligent supervision of the community health promoters who are also the face of achieving Universal Healthcare coverage across the country," he said.
Government spokesperson Isaac Mwaura in his remarks stated that the national government has established 11 additional camps for the displaced, with two located in Lamu.
"Rescue operations are ongoing, yet key roads remain impassable due to flooding, hindering relief efforts," Mwaura said.
Mwaura further said that the national government's commitment to relief efforts and infrastructure improvements remains central in mitigating the impact of floods and the spread of waterborne diseases in the region.
He also emphasized the collaborative efforts of the government and humanitarian agencies in addressing the current relief crisis brought about by the prevailing floods in Lamu and Tana River.
