Wajir: Wajir county government has taken all the necessary measures to prevent cholera and other water-borne diseases outbreaks, amid the ongoing heavy rains and subsequent flooding across the region.
According to Kenya News Agency, a cholera awareness campaign, spearheaded by the Department of Health and Sanitation, was flagged off at the Wajir Afya House in a ceremony presided over by the Chief Officer for Public Health and Sanitation, Rukia Maalim Kahiye. Kahiye said the initiative forms part of the county's proactive health strategy to prevent the spread of cholera and related infections, which are prevalent during rainy seasons. 'This campaign is anchored on prevention. We are focusing on community awareness, hygiene promotion, and timely response to protect our people from preventable illnesses,' she stated.
The multi-sectoral campaign entails heightened public sensitization efforts through door-to-door outreach, community barazas, and local radio broadcasts. The awareness drive seeks to educate communities on the symptoms, transmission routes, and preventive measures against cholera and similar diseases.
Kahiye further disclosed that the county has prepositioned essential medical supplies in flood-prone areas to enable prompt response in case of outbreaks, adding the supplies include oral rehydration salts (ORS), intravenous fluids, chlorine tablets, and personal protective equipment (PPEs). 'In addition, vulnerable households are receiving Aquatabs, PUR sachets, and hygiene kits to promote safe water consumption and reduce exposure to contaminated sources,' she noted.
Area Deputy Director of Public Health, Abdullahi Hassan, however, regretted the continued consumption of untreated water by residents despite numerous sensitization efforts. 'Despite our awareness campaigns, many households still consume untreated water. This greatly increases the risk of cholera, especially during floods,' he cautioned.
Development partners including UNICEF and Save the Children are supporting the county with critical WASH supplies and technical expertise, targeting particularly areas deemed at high risk of flooding and disease outbreaks. The public health officers urged residents to observe proper hygiene practices, including regular hand washing with soap and use of latrines and to seek immediate medical attention in case of symptoms such as diarrhea and vomiting.
Present during the launch were county health officials, development partners, community health volunteers, and area residents.