WHO releases medical supplies to nine drought-hit counties

The World Health Organization has released a consignment of essential medicines and equipment to nine counties most affected by drought.

The consignment worth more than Sh200 million is set to benefit residents of Kajiado, Turkana, Samburu, Isiolo, Marsabit, Tana River, Garissa, Mandela and Wajir.

The medical kits will support 10 million people in the targeted counties for a period of three months.

“We at the World Health Organization deeply sympathise with the affected communities and we are willing to go an extra mile to support them,” WHO Kenya representative Dourah Sante said on Friday.

WHO has moved in to help in the drought response as more Kenyans continue to bear the brunt.

According to WHO, large-scale displacement is often accompanied by a deterioration in hygiene and sanitation.

They said that outbreaks of infectious diseases are a major concern, especially when combined with low vaccination coverage and health service availability.

WHO has been supporting relief efforts to respond to drought by providing essential medicines and equipment to countries in the greater Horn of Africa affected by drought.

The UN body is also supporting partners in reviewing the drought and emergency response status and providing guidance to ensure the affected populations can access health services.

It is also treating sick children with severe malnutrition and preventing, detecting and responding to infectious disease outbreaks.

On Wednesday, Education CS Ezekiel Machogu flagged off 10 lorries, which will deliver foodstuffs to schools in 10 counties.

The selected counties are found in the arid and semi-arid land categories and have been hit hard by the drought.

The counties are Tana River, Garissa, Wajir, Mandera, Turkana, Samburu, Isiolo and Marsabit.