•The supplies are aimed to boost the ministry of health response and a crucial part of the ongoing interventions for drought emergencies and cholera outbreaks.
•Kenya has been battling a cholera outbreak that has so far seen a total of 1,947 cholera cases and 31 deaths recorded in the country
Unicef ships life-saving emergency medical supplies
A consignment of life-saving emergency medical supplies has arrived in the country to boost in the fight against cholera and other health needs.
The supplies made by UNICEF include health supplies, protective equipment and essential supplies for cholera treatment and drought response.
According to Unicef, the supplies are aimed to boost the ministry of health response and a crucial part of the ongoing interventions for drought emergencies and cholera outbreaks.
Kenya has been battling a cholera outbreak that has so far seen a total of 1,947 cholera cases and 31 deaths recorded in the country since the first case was confirmed on October 19.
The 11 worst-hit counties include so far affected 11 counties Kiambu, Nairobi, Murang’a, Kajiado, Nakuru, Machakos, Garissa, Meru, Nyeri, Wajir and Uasin Gishu.
“County governments must continue to invest in the provision of clean, treated water to their residents. To limit the spread of cholera, all Kenyans are advised to ensure they use clean and safe drinking /cooking water,” Ag health DG Patrick Amoth said.
Already, response teams from the department of disease Surveillance and Epidemic Response and those from the respective county departments are on the ground to respond to the situation.
The ministry early this month issued a raft of measures in an effort to halt the spread of the disease, which included an advisory to the public to ensure that they ensure they boil water before drinking as the country battles a cholera outbreak.
A person can get cholera by drinking water or eating food contaminated with cholera bacteria.
The disease can spread rapidly in areas with inadequate treatment of sewage and drinking water.
“To limit the spread of cholera, all Kenyans are advised to ensure they use clean and safe cooking and drinking water,” Amoth said.
Cholera infection is often mild or without symptoms, but can be severe.
According to CDC, approximately one in 10 people who get sick with cholera will develop severe symptoms such as watery diarrhea, vomiting, and leg cramps.