The Ministry of Health has issued a call to county governments to reopen the isolation centers that were instrumental during the COVID-19 pandemic. This move comes in response to the growing threat of MPOX, a disease that has recently been declared a global health emergency by the World Health Organization (WHO).
Public Health and Professional Standards Principal Secretary, Mary Muthoni, emphasized the importance of this preparedness during a recent update on the status of MPOX in the country.
According to PS Muthoni, there is a coordinated effort between national and county governments to mitigate the spread of the disease. As part of this strategy, the national Public Health Emergency Operation Centre (PHEOC) has been activated, alongside 25 additional centers across the country.
The ministry is also ramping up surveillance measures, particularly at the country’s entry points and within local communities. Since July 31st, over 300,000 travelers have been screened as part of these enhanced efforts.
As the country braces for a potential escalation in MPOX cases, the Ministry of Health continues to urge vigilance and preparedness at all levels of government. The reopening of isolation centers is seen as a critical step in ensuring that Kenya is ready to respond swiftly and effectively to any developments.
