Ministry urges Kenyans to maintain hygiene amid cholera outbreak

The ministry of Health has warned Kenyans to uphold extreme cleanliness as the government swings into action in dealing with the Cholera outbreak, which has now claimed six lives countrywide.

Speaking in Kirinyaga, Public Health and Professional Standards Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni said simple practices, such as boiling drinking water and frequent handwashing, have been abandoned, hence the huge threat of cholera.

The PS directed community health promoters (CHP) to distribute water cleaning tablets to areas that are greatly affected.

According to Muthoni, CHPs will play a critical role in offering education on keeping cholera at bay, especially during the rainy season when there is stagnant water.

“Drink boiled Water. I am asking for total oversight of the CHPs so that they can distribute the water treatment tablets and Chlorine,” she stated.

The distribution of tablets is a stopgap measure, but the government wants you to keep your environment clean by minding where you stay.

The PS has also given fresh statistics that show over 70 people are affected.

She further revealed that the ‘Epuka Uchafu’ campaign, which aims to drive Kenyans to be mindful of their environment and have regular cleaning exercises, will soon be back.

“From where I sit, we have started the program, Epuka Uchafu, Usafi nyumbani’ (Avoid dirt, have a clean home), which will be going to be activated across the country to ensure the Public maintains cleanliness, including washing of the hands and the body, and clothes. Clearing of the bushes and clearing of stagnated water,” she stated.

This comes after the ministry reported an outbreak of cholera in parts of the country killing six people.

The six are part of 97 cases reported in various health facilities so far, translating to a 6.2 percent fatality rate.

Migori is the most affected county, reporting fifty-three (53) cases and a single death, while Kisumu follows closely with 32 cases and four deaths. Nairobi County has registered twelve cases, with one ending in a fatality.

The ministry has since been placed all counties on high alert to contain further infections.