The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
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The Mpox outbreak that began in May 2024 raised concerns in Eastern and Southern Africa, with the World Health Organization declaring it an emergency three months later, in August.
Kenya recorded its first case of the viral disease just two weeks after the WHO’s warning, sparking widespread fear.
Could this new outbreak paralyze the country and region, leading to a shutdown similar to the Covid-19 pandemic?
Mpox, an infectious disease, causes a painful rash, enlarged lymph nodes, and fever. While many recover, the disease can be deadly.
As the situation escalated, Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni stepped up to lead the response. The Public Health and Professional Standards PS quickly put in place measures to contain the disease, including enhancing surveillance for early detection, activating a rapid diagnostic network, and ensuring effective isolation of cases. By the second week of December, her leadership had successfully limited the outbreak to just 28 cases across 12 counties.
PS Muthoni’s decisive actions in managing the Mpox crisis and her role in advancing Universal Health Coverage (UHC) earned her recognition as the Star Person of the Year.
One significant challenge in managing the Mpox crisis was combating misinformation, which fueled panic and stigma. To address this, PS Muthoni led public awareness campaigns, maintained transparent communication, and engaged with communities. Another challenge was ensuring adequate testing and reporting in remote areas, which was resolved through decentralizing laboratory services and collaborating with counties to improve data collection and case management.
Public awareness was vital in controlling the spread of Mpox. Targeted campaigns were run using local languages, radio, and community health workers to disseminate prevention information. High-risk groups, including healthcare workers and vulnerable populations, were prioritized for education on symptoms, prevention, and reporting.
Through the outbreak, Kenya learned key lessons, such as the importance of strong surveillance systems, community involvement, and cross-sector collaboration. Timely, clear communication helped prevent misinformation and panic. Moving forward, Kenya will continue to invest in preparedness and ensure its health systems remain adaptable to emerging threats.
In terms of Universal Health Coverage, Kenya has made significant strides, particularly with the rollout of Social Health Insurance through the Social Health Authority. Key successes include deploying Community Health Promoters to deliver healthcare at the grassroots level, revitalizing the Linda Mama program to enhance maternal care, and conducting the Health Facility Census, which helped identify gaps in infrastructure and informed targeted investments.
Equity remains fundamental to Kenya’s approach to UHC. The goal is to ensure all Kenyans, especially the vulnerable—such as women, children, and low-income groups—have access to affordable, quality healthcare. Through the Social Health Insurance Fund, subsidies are provided for vulnerable households, ensuring no one is excluded.
Partnerships with international organizations like WHO and the Global Fund, as well as with NGOs and the private sector, are instrumental in advancing UHC. The private sector contributes through innovation, infrastructure, and investments in medical supplies, helping build a more resilient and inclusive healthcare system.
Sustainable financing for the health sector is crucial, especially amid economic challenges. Kenya is improving domestic resource mobilization through government funding, strengthening public-private partnerships, and exploring innovative financing models. The integration of health insurance contributions and efficient resource use aims to secure long-term financial sustainability.
To improve sanitation standards across the country, the Ministry of Health has developed a comprehensive policy framework, including the 2023-2030 Kenya Rural Sanitation and Hygiene Roadmap, which guides national and county governments in sanitation efforts. This roadmap aims to eliminate open defecation in 15 high-burden counties. The ministry also launched the “Epuka Uchafu Afya Nyumbani” initiative to encourage communities to take responsibility for their environment’s cleanliness and established the Kenya Sanitation Alliance to address sanitation issues in collaboration with other stakeholders.
PS Muthoni’s leadership focuses on providing strategic direction to ensure policies are people-centered, evidence-based, and impactful. Her goal is to inspire collaboration, strengthen healthcare systems, and advocate for health equity to improve Kenya’s public health landscape and achieve national goals.
Looking ahead, the top public health priorities for Kenya include addressing emerging diseases, improving maternal and child health, and tackling non-communicable diseases. The focus will be on preventive health, strengthening healthcare systems, and scaling up digital health solutions for better access and efficiency.
PS Muthoni’s passion for public health is driven by the knowledge that preventive health measures save lives and improve communities. Her dedication is particularly focused on underserved populations, motivating her to continue working towards a healthier Kenya.
In her message to the next generation of public health leaders, PS Muthoni emphasizes the importance of innovation, resilience, and evidence-based policies. She encourages future leaders to prioritize equity, listen to the communities they serve, and embrace collaboration and adaptability as essential strengths.
In closing, she reiterates that health is a human right, not just a service, and calls for collective efforts to strengthen health systems, promote prevention, and achieve Universal Health Coverage for all. She urges all Kenyans to register for the transformative Social Health Authority through *147# or visit www.SHA.go.ke, noting that a healthier Kenya is a more productive and prosperous Kenya.
