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WHO helps Kenya guard against Marburg Virus Disease

03 November 2017

News release

03 NOVEMBER 2017 | NAIROBI – The World Health Organization is helping the Kenyan Ministry of Health guard against the spread of Marburg Virus Disease from neighbouring Uganda.

Health authorities are strengthening preparedness measures in Trans Nzoia and West Pokot counties along the border with Uganda, where an outbreak was officially declared on 19 October.

Health workers in Marsabit County during a polio campaign in April 2017

World Polio Day: Thank you to the unsung heroes!

23 October 2017

October 24, 2017: Kenya marks World Polio Day with a great sense relief and determination to keep the country polio free. Following a Wild Polio Virus outbreak in 2013 after an importation, health teams from Ministry of Health traversed the country to its farthest corners and most inaccessible areas with support from WHO, and other partners to do supplementary immunization activities - polio campaigns. These were done from house to house covering children aged five and below, vastly reducing any threats of the wild polio virus.

WR Kenya Dr Rudi Eggers, extreme right, with MOH colleagues during the launch of the World Mental Health Day in Kenya

Mental Health: Promote better workplace and well being

20 October 2017

World Mental Health Day 2017 was commemorated in Kenya with a call for changes at workplace to reduce risk factors for stress and policies that ensure work environment promotes wellbeing and productivity. Speakers at the commemoration event urged workplace communities to talk about depression and other mental health problems like substance abuse in order to promote best practice, decrease negative attitudes and empower individuals.

Panel discussion with Dr Jackson Kioko DMS, Dr Waqo Ejersa, head, malaria programme and Dr Kevin De Cock, CDC country director, during the malaria vaccine pilot launch in April

Planning and roll out for first malaria vaccine implementation in Kenya underway

03 October 2017

Planning for the Malaria Vaccine Implementation Programme (MVIP) in Kenya is on track with roll out of the vaccine scheduled to begin in 2018. Kenya is one of three African countries selected by the World Health Organization to participate in the first implementation of the vaccine that has been shown to reduce 4 out of 10 cases of malaria, and prevent severe malaria by more than 30% in the age group recommended to receive the vaccine.

Dr Mailu, 2nd right, with colleagues Dr Izaq Odongo, extreme right, Mr Julius Korir MOH PS and WHO Dr Eggers and Dr Fall

WHO establishes an Emergency Hub in Nairobi

07 July 2017

The creation of an emergency hub in Nairobi by World Health organization has been well received by the Kenyan government and partners.

WHO Officer, Dr Joyce Nato receives the launched strategy document from DMS Dr Jackson Kioko

Kenya Launches National Cancer Control Strategy 2017-2022

07 July 2017

The government of Kenya has launched the National Cancer Control Strategy, 2017-2022. The launch was done at a well-coordinated media breakfast function which was presided over by Dr Jackson Kioko, Director of Medical Services, on behalf of Health Cabinet Secretary, Dr Cleopa Mailu.

WR Kenya Dr Rudi Eggers receives a copy of the National guidelines for Tobacco Dependence Treatment & Cessation from Dr Patrick Amoth, MOH, while others look on

Kenya commemorates World No-Tobacco Day

09 June 2017

May 31 2017 - The World No-Tobacco Day in Kenya was marked with calls for effective policies, reduced exposure and tightening of loopholes to combat tobacco consumption. Speakers particularly emphasized on the theme, “Tobacco- a threat to Development” and on health and other risks associated with tobacco consumption.

The day was also observed with the launch of the National guidelines for Tobacco Dependence Treatment and Cessation which will provide guidance for intervention in healthcare services.

WHO sustains its funding to Ministry of Health

06 June 2017

JUNE 6, 2017 | WHO Kenya country office has given a statement to correct erroneous media reports that Kenya had suspended its funding to Ministry of Health. In his statement, the WHO Kenya Country Representative, Dr Rudi Eggers said the report was incorrect and confirmed that WHO had not suspended funding to the Ministry of Health. The erroneous report was based on an internal letter written by the Ministry of Health to urge counties to make returns for monies given by the WHO for some activities including advoca

In Kenya, the path to elimination of malaria is lined with good preventions

02 May 2017

A broad range of preventive measures in Kenya, tailored to local needs have resulted in major progress against malaria – but declining resources underscore the need for even more efficient work. Countrywide, malaria prevalence dropped from 11% to 8% between 2010 and 2015.

WHO has been advising the Ministry of Health, especially on policy and strategy issues, to help Kenya progress further toward its goal of elimination.

Dr Moeti , WHO Regional Director for Africa, speaks to the media during the malaria vaccine pilot launch in Nairobi

Historic launch of malaria vaccine pilots in Africa

02 May 2017

April 24, 2017: The announcement of the piloting of a malaria vaccine in Africa by the WHO regional director for Africa Dr Matshido Moeti this week marks a historic but realistic moment towards the effort to ease the malaria disease burden and save lives in Africa.

Dr Moeti presided over the high level malaria event in Nairobi ahead of World Malaria Day, where she announced the selection of three countries, Kenya, Malawi and Ghana, for the vaccine pilot testing.

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