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Respiratory disease outbreak in China should be a wake-up call for Kenya
Kenya’s history of belated responses to health crises, such as has been witnessed during cholera and Covid-19 outbreaks, highlights compelling need for urgency.
Hospitals in China were last month reeling from the weight of an outbreak of a respiratory disease.
Authorities there have identified human metapneumovirus (HMPV) as a potential contributor. HMPV, like the flu, spreads through respiratory droplets.
With memories of the devastating effect of the Covid-19 pandemic still in our minds, the global response to such situations has become a decisive test for levels of preparedness.
For Kenya in particular, this should come as a warning about preparedness against comparable situations.
Reports indicate that respiratory infections pose the highest risk of severe complications to children under five, the elderly, and individuals with underlying health conditions.
In countries like Kenya, where resources are always limited, such outbreaks could lead to harmful or disastrous consequences due to insufficient healthcare facilities and prolonged periods of response.
Kenya’s history of belated responses to health crises, such as has been witnessed during cholera and Covid-19 outbreaks, highlights compelling need for urgency.
The country’s reliance on international aid during emergencies often leads to loss of life and economic strain. Enough preparations for disaster management can prevent these deaths.
Waiting for an outbreak to hit Kenyan soil and subdue the available systems before mobilising resources would be a costly mistake. Initiative-taking measures are vital to safeguard public health and assuage potential fallout.
Kenya must therefore seriously consider strengthening its emergency response capacity. The country has, however, made significant strides in establishing public health emergency operations centres (PHEOCs), with 25 outlets focusing on over 100 public health challenges, including malaria and dengue.
These centres, according to sources within Ministry of Health, need to be urgently equipped to detect and respond to respiratory and other outbreaks. Robust surveillance systems, including community-based monitoring, are critical for early detection. Such systems can provide timely data on disease spread, enabling pre-emptive action.
Massive investment in healthcare infrastructure is crucial at this stage. Kenya must prioritise equipping hospitals with ventilators, personal protective equipment (PPEs), and essential medical supplies.
These would enable medical practitioners to jump into action whenever disease outbreaks are detected and to reduce the data on casualties.
Collaboration with global health organizations and other stakeholders can also facilitate access to vaccine research and development. Public health campaigns are critical to enlighten the masses on preventive measures such as hand hygiene, respiratory etiquette, and the importance of vaccinations. Raising awareness can notably reduce the spread of infections.
Again, Kenya needs to proactively engage with global health bodies like the World Health Organisation (WHO) and regional partners within the East African Community (EAC), Comesa, and the African Union for accelerated response and decision making. Regional collaboration is crucial to controlling infectious diseases and ensuring collective preparedness.
The current outbreak in China serves as a reminder of the need for sustained vigilance and preparedness. For Kenya, the question is not if, but when, a similar crisis could arise. Strengthening healthcare systems, enhancing surveillance, and fostering regional and global partnerships are non-negotiable steps.
The cost of inaction far outweighs the investment in preparedness. Let this be the moment Kenya rises to the challenge and ensures the health and safety of its people.
The writer is a seasoned journalist and communication expert