Kenya has intensified its response to the spread of mpox after confirming the first cases of the clade 1b variant on July 31, 2024. This variant, believed to be more severe and transmissible, has also been detected in Burundi, Rwanda, and Uganda. So far, Kenya has recorded five cases, with four being imported from neighboring countries and one case linked to local transmission.
To prevent further spread, Kenya’s Ministry of Health, in partnership with WHO, has launched a national preparedness plan. Over 930,000 travelers have been screened at 26 entry points, and more than 130 health workers have been trained to detect and manage the disease.
“We have focused on providing prevention messages and increasing surveillance at key points of entry,” said Dr. Daniel Langa’t from Kenya’s Ministry of Health.
Kenya is among 14 African countries included in a $600 million plan to boost mpox response efforts.
