The Kenyan government will launch a Mpox vaccination campaign targeting high-risk individuals, including children, pregnant women, and people with compromised immune systems.
Health Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni announced this during a press conference on Thursday, emphasizing the need for vigilance.
“Mpox is transmitted through close contact and poses a significant risk to vulnerable populations,” she stated.
The vaccination drive will prioritize individuals who have come into contact with confirmed Mpox cases.
Muthoni acknowledged the crucial role of the media in disseminating accurate health information and combating misinformation.
“We call on the media to play a pivotal role in communicating the importance of this vaccination drive and countering misinformation,” she stated.
“Accurate, reliable information about the Mpox vaccine must reach all communities, particularly those most at risk.”
Rising Cases Prompt Vaccination Drive
This vaccination exercise follows a recent increase in Mpox cases across the country. Cases have been reported in multiple counties, including Nakuru, Mombasa, and Busia, with significant numbers also observed in Taita Taveta, Kericho, and Kilifi.
“Mpox remains a significant threat in Kenya and the East African region,” Muthoni said, noting that five new cases were confirmed in the past week, bringing the total to 36 across 12 counties.
The Ministry of Health is implementing proactive measures to contain the outbreak, including:
- Robust surveillance systems to monitor the spread of the disease.
- Training healthcare workers on diagnosis, treatment, and infection control.
- Public awareness campaigns to educate the public about prevention strategies, such as proper hand hygiene.
The Ministry of Health is ramping up efforts to tackle the Mpox outbreak and address the potential risk of Marburg Virus Disease (MVD). Since the initial cases of Mpox were reported in July 2024, 36 confirmed cases have been recorded, with the highest numbers in Nakuru, Mombasa,… pic.twitter.com/uPz4VzCyFE
— Ministry of Health (@MOH_Kenya) January 23, 2025
Key Features of Mpox
Mpox is a viral disease caused by the monkeypox virus. It primarily spreads through close human-to-human contact, including:
- Respiratory droplets
- Physical contact
- Sexual transmission (a significant mode of transmission in Kenya)
Common symptoms include:
- Rashes (100% of cases)
- Fever
- Sore throat
- Genital lesions
Vulnerable Populations at Higher Risk
Vulnerable groups, including children, pregnant women, and immunocompromised individuals (such as those with poorly managed HIV), are at a higher risk of severe disease and complications.
Since its outbreak in July 2024, Mpox cases have steadily increased in Kenya. One death has been reported—a truck driver in Bungoma County with an underlying immunocompromised condition.
The Ministry of Health is strengthening partnerships with global health organizations like the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF to enhance Kenya’s response capabilities.
