The government has unveiled new strategies to mitigate the impact of the ongoing Mpox outbreak, Public Health and Professional Standards Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni has said.
Muthoni made the comment on Tuesday, September 10, 2024, when she also announced the formation of a National Mpox Task Force, which will be responsible for evaluating the current situation and implementing measures to contain the virus.
Muthoni highlighted the importance of a coordinated response to combat the outbreak.
“The National Mpox Task Force is responsible for evaluating the current Mpox situation in Kenya and implementing strong strategies to minimise the outbreak’s impact,” Muthoni said.
The task force will focus on several key objectives, including assessing the outbreak’s effect on public health, identifying major risks, and creating a comprehensive national response plan to halt further transmission of the disease.
The PS also emphasised the need for collaboration among various stakeholders, which is a critical aspect of the task force’s work.
“Coordinating actions among government agencies, healthcare providers, development partners, and stakeholders for a unified response,” she added.
The National Mpox Task Force is responsible for evaluating the current Mpox situation in Kenya and implementing strong strategies to minimize the outbreak's impact. Key objectives include:
— Mary Muthoni Muriuki, CBS, HSC (@psmuthoni) September 10, 2024
i. Assessing the outbreak's effect on public health and identifying significant risks.
ii.… pic.twitter.com/nNx7Tbeinn
Muthoni also said the government is looking to bolster its preparedness through the implementation of proposed policies and strategies, alongside ensuring proper resource allocation.
According to her, the task force will come up with proposals for policies, strategies, and resource allocation to boost the country’s readiness and response capabilities.
Additionally, the task force will monitor the effectiveness of interventions and make necessary adjustments to their strategies to manage the situation effectively.
Fifth Mpox case
On September 6, 2024, Kenya confirmed its fifth Mpox case, involving a 28-year-old woman from Mombasa. She is the spouse of the fourth case and is in isolation at Utange Hospital, while her husband is hospitalised in Nakuru.
Health Cabinet Secretary Deborah Barasa noted the woman has no travel history to Mpox-affected countries, but her husband recently returned from Rwanda on August 24.
Of 124 samples tested so far, 110 were negative, with nine still under analysis. Active surveillance continues, with 33 contacts under observation. Two of the five cases have recovered.
