WHO, USAID donate medical supplies to boost Kenya’s NTD fight

KENYA— The World Health Organization (WHO), USAID, and other health partners have jointly donated 15,215,000 tablets, valued at US$1.7 million, to boost Kenya’s fight against neglected tropical diseases (NTDs).

This donation also includes 28 Mpox diagnostic kits aimed at reaching over 15 million people across 15 counties.

During the handover, Cabinet Secretary for Health, Dr. Deborah M. Barasa, emphasized the importance of these donations in addressing critical health challenges vulnerable communities face.

She highlighted that the upcoming mass drug administration (MDA) campaigns will focus on controlling NTDs such as lymphatic filariasis, soil-transmitted helminths, and schistosomiasis, particularly in regions with high disease burdens.

Dr. Barasa expressed her gratitude to the WHO and its partners for their support in ensuring that essential medicines reach those most in need.

She reiterated the significance of the MDA campaign, noting that it will target areas where NTDs are most prevalent, thus improving the health outcomes of millions of Kenyans.

Furthermore, she welcomed USAID’s donation of Mpox testing kits, which will enhance the country’s capacity to detect and respond to Mpox cases swiftly.

WHO Representative to Kenya, Dr. Abdourahmane Diallo, commended Kenya’s efforts in the fight against NTDs.

He explained that the donated NTD medicines aim to combat diseases such as schistosomiasis and soil-transmitted helminthiases.

These donations, he said, are crucial to Kenya’s ongoing efforts to eliminate NTDs by 2030.

Dr. Diallo also pointed out that Kenya is making significant progress with its third-generation NTD Master Plan (2023-2027), which targets eliminating four NTDs by 2027.

He expressed confidence that Kenya is on track to eliminate lymphatic filariasis within this timeframe.

In addition to the NTD medication, the Mpox donation is also of great importance, as it includes resources that will assist Kenya’s response to the outbreak officially declared on July 31.

 So far, the country has screened over 1.3 million travelers and confirmed 13 cases of Mpox across ten counties.

The Mpox diagnostic kits, capable of testing 2,688 suspected cases, will enhance Kenya’s ability to diagnose and intervene quickly.

The Mpox donation is valued at US$13,000, while USAID has further allocated US$500,000 to strengthen the Ministry of Health’s response to the outbreak.

 Dr. Diallo reaffirmed WHO’s commitment to supporting Kenya in managing both NTDs and emerging infectious diseases, ensuring that health outcomes improve for all citizens.

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