NAIROBI, Kenya: The United Nations has raised alarm following a surge in cholera cases reported in Kenya, which has been grappling with weeks of devastating rains and floods. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 44 cases of cholera have been documented in Tana River County in eastern Kenya, one of the regions severely affected by extensive flooding.
In an interview with Citizen TV, the UN’s resident coordinator in Kenya, Stephen Jackson, acknowledged the gravity of the situation, expressing confidence in the collaborative efforts between the government and national and international partners to contain the outbreak. While emphasizing that cholera has been successfully contained in the past, Jackson stressed that it remains a significant concern given its potential impact on public health, particularly for vulnerable populations such as young children.
Cholera, an acute intestinal infection transmitted through contaminated food and water, manifests through severe symptoms including diarrhea, vomiting, and muscle cramps. The disease poses a heightened risk to children, underscoring the urgent need for coordinated response efforts.
Abdourahmane Diallo, WHO representative in Kenya, reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to supporting the country’s health emergency response and underscored the importance of swift containment measures to prevent further spread. Diallo emphasized the necessity of agility and readiness to address disease outbreaks, underscoring the crucial role of government leadership and collaboration with partners in providing relief to affected communities.
The flooding crisis in Kenya has exacted a heavy toll, with government data indicating that 238 lives have been lost and over 200,000 individuals rendered homeless. The situation is compounded by the El Niño weather phenomenon, exacerbating the impact of heavier-than-usual seasonal rains. Across East Africa, a region highly susceptible to climate change, the cumulative effects of the ongoing crisis have claimed over 400 lives, highlighting the urgent need for comprehensive disaster response and mitigation strategies.
