The Ministry of Health (MoH) has reported that one individual has died from Mpox, with a total of 13 cases identified since the virus was first detected in the country.
During a press briefing on Monday, Health Director General Patrick Amoth stated, “The patient succumbed because he was also battling existing health complications. Eight of those infected have recovered and returned home, while four remain hospitalized.”
The cases were confirmed from 236 samples tested in laboratories across 10 counties. Amoth made these remarks in Nairobi as the Ministry received a donation of 15.2 million tablets for Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) from the World Health Organization, valued at $1.6 million (Ksh. 213 million).
Health Cabinet Secretary (CS) Debra Barasa praised the donation, stating, “This will greatly help in controlling the spread of NTDs in the nation.” She explained that the tablets will target three neglected endemic tropical diseases: Lymphatic filariasis, Soil-transmitted helminths, and Schistosomiasis, with a goal of elimination by 2027.
CS Barasa further added, “The drugs will be rolled out in the next mass drug administration, targeting 15 counties in the Coastal region, Lake Victoria Basin, and Western Region, which have high infection rates.” She emphasized, “As we implement this campaign, I want to stress the critical role of community health promoters in the successful execution of NDAs in endemic regions.”
Additionally, she directed teams to “register all household members they visit for the Social Health Insurance Fund. This will enable them to access affordable services under the Universal Health Programme.”
