The Ministry of Health has activated the National Public Health Emergency Operations Centre (PHEOC) as rains continue to wreak havoc in various parts of the country.
Counties have also been urged to activate their emergency operation centres for coordinated response efforts.
The heavy rains that have been pounding the country have cut off access to health facilities in some areas with the ministry now warning of potential spread of waterborne diseases.
According to the ministry, floods being experienced in Tana River have affected access to Assa, Chewele, Kau, Mbalambala, Mororo, and Waldena dispensaries, while Ombaka dispensary in Kisumu County is also affected.
To mitigate the impact of the floods, the ministry has conducted risk communication and community engagement training in the high-risk counties of Garissa, Wajir, Mandera, Marsabit, Turkana, Busia, and Kajiado.
The PS Public Health and Professional Standards Mary Muthoni on Tuesday said the ministry is working with other government ministries and agencies to mitigate potential adverse health effects on Kenyans.
“Health workers in high-risk counties have been trained on surveillance, case management, wash, and infection prevention control targeting diarrheal diseases including cholera,” Muthoni said.
The Kenya PHEOC was inaugurated in 2016 by the ministry and tasked with the responsibility of coordinating the preparedness for and response to public health emergencies.
The centre played a vital role in an effective, well-coordinated and efficient system for response during the Covid-19 pandemic.
The ministry has enhanced surveillance for public health emergencies and is disseminating information on diarrheal diseases.
“The Ministry is working closely with the National Disaster Operations Centre and collaborating with various stakeholders to efficiently deploy resources to affected areas,” the PS said.
Muthoni has however called on Kenyans to practice stringent sanitation and hygiene protocols, including treating water, using latrines and frequent hand washing to prevent waterborne diseases like cholera and typhoid.
She has further called on Kenyans residing in flood-prone or hilly areas to relocate to higher ground immediately to avert potential injuries and loss of life.
“Regularly check on elderly relatives, neighbours, or individuals with special needs to ensure their safety during adverse weather conditions,” Muthoni said.
Kenyans have further been urged to remain vigilant and regularly check weather forecasts and official advisories from relevant authorities for real-time information on the evolving weather situation.
