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Kenya

Kenya - Cholera outbreak (DG ECHO, Ministry of Health of Kenya, WHO) (ECHO Daily Flash of 09 April 2025)

  • On 8 April, the Ministry of Health issued a statement on the ongoing cholera outbreak affecting several parts of the country. As of 6 April, 97 confirmed cases had been recorded, more than double the 43 cases reported by WHO on 20 March. Six deaths have been confirmed, resulting in a concerning case fatality rate (CFR) of 6.2%.
  • The outbreak is being driven by limited access to safe water, poor hygiene, and inadequate sanitation—conditions particularly acute in Nairobi's informal settlements. These factors pose significant risks for further spread, especially during the current rainy season.
  • In response, partners operating under the coordination of the Ministry of Health's Emergency Operations Centre have begun ramping up surveillance at border entry points, distributing WASH (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene) supplies and emergency treatment kits, and engaging in public awareness campaigns. Efforts include direct outreach to at-risk communities and dissemination of key health messages.
  • Several critical gaps remain, including the need for renewed support in training and equipping frontline health workers, ensuring a steady supply of emergency medical resources, strengthening contact tracing efforts, and enhancing surveillance systems.