Each week, the World Health Organization Health Action in Crises in Geneva produces information highlights on critical health-related activities in countries where there are humanitarian crises. Drawing on the various WHO programmes, contributions cover activities from field and country offices and the support provided by WHO regional offices and headquarters. The mandate of the WHO departments specifically concerned with Emergency and Humanitarian Action in Crises is to increase the effectiveness of the WHO contribution to crisis preparedness and response, transition and recovery. This note, which is not exhaustive, is designed for internal use and does not reflect any official position of the WHO Secretariat.
KENYA
Assessments and Events
- Since 30 December, post-election violence has caused at least 150 deaths and displaced 150 000 people. According to OCHA, up to 500 000 people are affected. Most of the violence has taken place in the in Rift Valley and in Nyanza provinces and in the slums surrounding Nairobi. Reportedly, violent fighting continues.
- Information from the field is still scarce, but it can be assumed that the displaced lack food, clean water and fuel, and that the general insecurity hampers access to health care.
Actions
- The Kenyan Red Cross has been the first to respond to the humanitarian crisis.
- The UN Country Team is preparing for immediate relief activities. It will ensure the full coordination of response across all UN agencies, as well as with non- UN partners and the Government.
- The WHO Country Office is planning to assist the MoH, the Red Cross and partners deliver well-coordinated emergency health care to the affected populations, with special focus on trauma, maternal communicable disease, maternal and neonatal risk.
- The UNCT is approaching CERF for a rapid response grant. WHO and health partners are drafting a document on health and nutrition for the Flash Appeal.
- In 2007, WHO's emergency activities in Kenya were supported by the CERF.