Gov't Reports Mpox Cases in 40 Counties as Ebola Preparedness Intensifies

The government has reported Mpox cases in 40 counties as Kenya continues to strengthen surveillance and response measures against public health emergencies.

In a statement on Monday, September 14, the Ministry of Interior said Mombasa, Nairobi and Busia have recorded the highest numbers of Mpox cases, with the Ministry of Health continuing to monitor suspected cases.

"The Ministry of Health continues to undertake confirmatory laboratory testing of all suspected cases and has integrated Mpox case management into routine healthcare services," the statement read.

The government has also reported cases of Dengue fever, mainly in Garissa and Wajir counties, where suspected deaths are currently under investigation.

Authorities have stepped up measures to strengthen the response and limit further transmission.

"In response, the government has strengthened coordination at county and sub-county levels, laboratory testing of samples at the National Reference Laboratory, case management, and infection prevention and control, as well as community engagement on transmission, prevention, and control," the statement added.

Measles cases have also been reported in several counties, with Baringo, Marsabit, Wajir, Mandera and Garissa among the most affected. 

The government said no deaths linked to the disease have been reported so far.

"No deaths have been reported so far, but the government has intensified active case search and surveillance, case management, infection prevention and control, and community engagement," the statement further read.

Despite growing preparedness for Ebola, the government said Kenya has not recorded a confirmed case of Ebola Virus Disease. 

All suspected cases tested so far have returned negative results.

The government has nevertheless activated the National EVD Incident Management System and strengthened preparedness measures at both national and county levels as part of efforts to ensure the country can respond rapidly should a case be detected.

Four laboratories have been designated to conduct Ebola testing, including the National Public Health Laboratory, KEMRI Nairobi, KEMRI Kisumu, and a mobile laboratory serving Busia and Bungoma counties.

The preparedness measures also include training healthcare workers, conducting simulation exercises, sensitising stakeholders and operationalising isolation facilities.

Response supplies, including personal protective equipment and infection prevention and control materials, are also being stockpiled.

Authorities have further increased surveillance at Points of Entry, where travellers and conveyances are being screened, alongside sensitisation of travellers and communities living near border areas.

"Further, surveillance has been heightened at Points of Entry (PoE), where travellers and conveyances are being screened alongside the sensitisation of travellers and border-community members. 

"Multi-agency teams led by KDF, NPS, and NGAOs have also been trained for enhanced surveillance at informal crossing points, truck-driver stopovers, and other high-volume convergence points," the statement noted.

The government said the measures are intended to strengthen Kenya's ability to detect and respond to potential threats early, particularly given the movement of people and goods across the country's borders.

"The Border Control and Operations Coordination Committee (BCOCC), wishes to reassure the public that these robust surveillance and response measures remain in place. 

"We also urge members of the public to remain vigilant, follow verified public health guidance, and promptly report suspected cases to the nearest health facility or relevant authorities," the statement concluded.

This comes two weeks after President William Ruto announced the signing of an agreement between Kenya and US pharmaceutical company Pfizer.

In a statement on Monday, August 31, Ruto said the agreement between Pfizer and the Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA), signed under the Accord for a Healthier World initiative, is expected to make cancer medicines more affordable while expanding access to newer treatments in Kenya. 

"Today, Kenya has made a major breakthrough in the treatment of several cancers following the signing of a consequential agreement with Pfizer, a United States multinational pharmaceutical and biotechnology corporation," he wrote.

According to Ruto, the agreement has resulted in substantial reductions in the prices of medicines used to treat a wide range of cancers, including breast, stomach, colon, lung, prostate, oesophagus, leukaemia, lymphoma and multiple myeloma.

"Consequently, prices of medicines for the treatment of breast, stomach, colon, lung, prostate, oesophagus, leukaemia, lymphoma and multiple myeloma cancers have reduced remarkably by more than 7 times," he added.

According to Ruto, in some cases, the cost of cancer treatment medicines has fallen from as much as Ksh1 million to below Ksh50,000 per treatment cycle. 

The reduction is also expected to ensure that the Ksh800,000 cancer treatment package under the Social Health Authority (SHA) is sufficient to cover patients without requiring additional payments.

Ruto further said the agreement would address delays in accessing newer cancer medicines, allowing Kenyan patients to benefit from advanced treatments without having to wait for a decade.

"Additionally, Kenya will access newer medicines without the 10-year wait that cancer patients are currently subjected to," he further said.