The Ministry of Health has received Mpox kits and medications from the World Health Organization (WHO) via USAID to assist in managing Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs).
During the handover ceremony, Health Cabinet Secretary (CS) Dr. Deborah Barasa highlighted that these kits arrive at a crucial time as Kenya works to control the Mpox outbreak, which has currently affected at least three individuals.
“The testing kits will significantly enhance our ability to quickly and effectively detect and respond to Mpox cases, ultimately saving lives and curbing the spread of the outbreak,” she stated.
Dr. Barasa expressed gratitude to the WHO for supplying essential NTD medications for the upcoming Mass Drug Administration (MDA) cycle.
“These medicines will target three endemic NTDs in Kenya: lymphatic filariasis (LF), soil-transmitted helminths (STH), and schistosomiasis (SCH), particularly in regions like the Coastal area, Lake Victoria basin, and Western regions, where the disease burden is highest,” she explained.
She noted that Kenya has made significant strides in tackling NTDs through impactful interventions, including preventive chemotherapy.
“I want to commend the deployment of preventive chemotherapy through MDA campaigns, which are crucial in breaking the transmission cycle of these diseases,” she said.
Community health promoters will be essential in executing the MDA in endemic counties, and Dr. Barasa urged teams to register all household members they visit for the Social Health Insurance Fund under the Social Health Authority, ensuring access to affordable services under the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) program.
“Eliminating NTDs will bring us closer to UHC by ensuring that services reach the most vulnerable populations,” she added.
The government is committed to eliminating priority endemic NTDs by 2028, in line with the third National Master Plan for the Elimination of NTDs (2023-2027). Dr. Barasa emphasized collaboration with all partners to build on past successes and tackle current challenges.
WHO country representative Dr. Abdourahmane Diallo noted that the WHO is donating medicines to support Kenya’s fight against NTDs, specifically targeting conditions like schistosomiasis and soil-transmitted helminthiases.
“These diseases mainly affect the most vulnerable populations, perpetuating cycles of poverty and suffering, especially in areas with limited water, sanitation, and healthcare services,” Diallo remarked.
He pointed out that NTDs affect over 1 billion people globally but are often neglected in global health discussions, leading to inadequate resources and stigma against those affected.
“WHO has donated tablets for mass drug administration later this month, aiming to reach over 15 million people across 15 targeted counties in Kenya,” he added.
Additionally, the WHO has provided 28 diagnostic kits for testing 2,688 suspected Mpox samples, along with 2,500 scalpel blades, viral transport media, and swabs to enhance Kenya’s capacity for rapid and accurate diagnosis.
Dr. Diallo reassured the public of WHO’s commitment to supporting Kenya in both eliminating NTDs and effectively managing emerging infectious diseases like Mpox.
