In anticipation of the El-Nino expected in 2023, Ministry of Health is leaving no stone unturned in its efforts to safeguard the nation’s healthcare system. Led by Ms. Mary Muthoni Muriuki, the Principal Secretary of the State Department of Public Health and Professional Standards, the ministry has devised a comprehensive Contingency Plan for El-Nino, with a keen focus on vulnerable areas within the healthcare sector.

The primary objective of this plan is to ensure that Kenya’s healthcare system is well-prepared to tackle the impending surge in flood-related accidents and waterborne diseases. At the same time, it aims to guarantee the uninterrupted provision of essential healthcare services to the population. The Ministry has collaborated closely with County Governments and Partners to bolster readiness and capacity to establish temporary health facilities, especially in areas that might necessitate evacuation or rescue missions or those where healthcare facilities could become inaccessible due to flooding.

To meet the heightened demand for healthcare services during the El-Nino period, the Ministry has meticulously maintained stockpiles of emergency response health supplies and materials. Additionally, the national Public Health Emergency Operations Centre has been activated to issue early warning signs and alerts, ensuring a rapid response to potential health threats. County Emergency Operation Centres, with 18 already in place, are expected to follow suit, with all counties encouraged to establish and operationalize their own centers promptly.

Recognizing the potential for water-related vector-borne illnesses like Rift Valley Hemorrhagic fever, Dengue fever, Chikungunya, and Malaria, the Ministry has devised sensitization and response plans. These plans encompass community outreach and response strategies aimed at addressing diseases such as diarrheal diseases that often accompany flooding incidents.

As a critical component of the broader Multi-Agency response mechanism of the government, the Ministry of Health pledges to provide continuous information following established incident command system protocols as the health situation evolves. Rapid Response Teams stand ready to conduct swift initial assessments and plan for effective responses, with a special focus on post-flood recovery efforts and the restoration of health systems in affected areas.

Ministry of Health’s proactive measures and well-thought-out plans serve as a proof to the government’s commitment to safeguarding the health and well-being of its citizens in the face of natural disasters. By anticipating and addressing the potential healthcare challenges posed by El-Nino, Kenya is taking essential steps to mitigate the impact of this weather phenomenon on its healthcare system and, ultimately, the welfare of its people.