“One Partner is Enough”: Health Ministry Warns Kenyans of Mpox Risk with Multiple Partner.
The Ministry of Health (MOH) has issued a strong warning to Kenyans amid rising concerns over the Mpox outbreak, emphasizing that individuals with multiple romantic partners are at a significantly higher risk of contracting the virus. The advisory comes in the wake of the country confirming its second case of Mpox, prompting the government to urge the public to exercise caution.
In a recent public alert, the Ministry specifically highlighted the vulnerable groups most at risk, stating, “Healthcare workers, persons in close contact with confirmed cases, and those with multiple sexual partners have a higher chance of getting infected.” The MOH encouraged all Kenyans to “take necessary precautions and protect yourself from Mpox.”
Health Cabinet Secretary (CS) Deborah Mulongo Barasa further elaborated on the risk factors on August 28, 2024, when she issued a special advisory for pregnant women following the confirmation of the second case in the country. The advisory underscored that pregnant women infected with the Mpox virus could transmit the disease to their unborn children, urging expectant mothers to be extra cautious.
In an effort to curb the spread of Mpox, Director General of Health, Patrick Amoth, announced during a live TV interview that the government is making concerted efforts to secure vaccines. He revealed that Africa is expected to receive 2 million doses of the Mpox vaccine by the end of the year as part of a broader plan to distribute 10 million doses.
“Mpox is becoming a global crisis for us,” Amoth stated. “As a government, even though we have reported only two cases, we remain committed to closing all loopholes through proper strategic mechanisms to prevent any further concerns.” He reassured the public by adding that one of the reported cases had fully recovered, while the other remains in isolation.
To further safeguard public health, the Ministry of Health has intensified surveillance systems across all 47 counties, with a particular focus on border entry points. Principal Secretary of Public Health and Standards, Mary Muthoni, stressed the importance of these efforts, saying, “Kenya has very strong disease surveillance across the 47 counties at all entry points. We are also sensitizing the masses on what they need to do to prevent Mpox.”
Additionally, East African nations, including Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania, have taken steps to improve cross-border collaboration to tackle the Mpox threat. A memorandum of understanding has been signed to establish formal data-sharing mechanisms, which will play a critical role in preventing the spread of the disease.
Conclusion
With the Mpox threat still present, the Kenyan government continues to take proactive measures to protect its citizens. From advisories for high-risk groups to the procurement of vaccines and enhanced regional coordination, the Ministry of Health is urging all Kenyans to stay vigilant. Following the guidance—such as limiting the number of romantic partners—could be key in preventing the virus from escalating into a more severe public health crisis.
Article By Suzy Nyongesa.
