One Mpox patient has succumbed to the disease, the Ministry of Health announced on Monday. The patient was battling pre-existing conditions before contracting Mpox.
Health Director-General Patrick Amoth stated this as the cause of death as the patient is the only one out of 13 patients who have contracted the disease who has died.
“Eight of those have recovered and have gone home, four are still admitted in the hospital,” said Dr Amoth.
Dr Amoth divulged this information as the Ministry of Health received Mpox testing kits and medicines for neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) from the World Health Organization (WHO), USAID, and other health partners.
Kenya receives Mpox testing kits
The Ministry of Health says these supplies will strengthen the country’s efforts to combat these diseases.
During the handover, Cabinet Secretary for Health, Dr. Deborah M. Barasa, acknowledged the significance of these contributions in addressing health challenges faced by vulnerable communities.
She highlighted the importance of mass drug administration (MDA) campaigns in controlling NTDs, including lymphatic filariasis, soil-transmitted helminths, and schistosomiasis, particularly in high-burden regions.
Dr. Barasa expressed appreciation for the support from WHO and partners in ensuring essential medicines reach those most in need, with the upcoming MDA campaign targeting areas with the highest disease burden.
Read Also
- PS Kimtai urges public to update dependents on SHA portal for seamless healthcare access
- Woman with two uteruses gives birth to twins from each womb
- NHIF staff to undergo vetting before transfer to Social Health Authority (SHA)
- KEMSA flags off medical supplies to support new Social Health Insurance Fund
In addition, CS Barasa welcomed USAID’s donation of Mpox testing kits, which will improve the country’s ability to detect and respond to cases effectively.
WHO Representative to Kenya, Dr. Abdourahmane Diallo, confirmed the donation of 15,215,000 tablets of NTD medicines valued at USD 1.6 million, intended for this month’s MDA.
He reaffirmed WHO’s commitment to supporting Kenya’s goal of eliminating NTDs, including schistosomiasis and soil-transmitted helminthiases, by 2030.
