The Ministry of Health has formed Emergency Rapid Response Teams in anticipation of the predicted El Nino rains.
The teams, according to the ministry will be key in providing technical assistance, strengthening and supporting counties in the formation of their response teams.
PS Public Health Mary Muthoni on Thursday said this is part of the ministry’s comprehensive Contingency Plan for ElNino.
Muthoni said the Rapid Response Teams will conduct rapid initial assessments and plan for effective responses, forecasting post-flood recovery efforts and building back better in areas requiring health system restoration.
Already, the ministry has conducted health facility capacity preparedness and sensitization to address the expected surge in flood-related accidents, waterborne diarrheal diseases and the impact it might have on the continuous provision of essential healthcare services.
“Sensitisation and response strategies for water-related vector-borne illnesses, including Rift Valley Hemorrhagic fever, Dengue fever, Chikungunya, Malaria and others have been finalised,” Muthoni said.
In addition, communities are being sensitised on response plans for diseases like diarrheal diseases.
“The Ministry emphasises preventive and promotive health including vaccination against Cholera, Polio, Typhoid, and more,” the PS said.
The ministry is also working closely with counties and Partners to ensure health facilities are well-stocked ahead of the rains to prevent supply shortages.
The preparedness also involves ensuring stockpiles of emergency response health supplies and materials are readily available.
“We are ensuring readiness and capacity to establish temporary health facilities in areas where populations may be evacuated, rescued or where facilities may become inaccessible due to floods.”