The Kenyan Ministry of Health and the World Health Organization (WHO) said Wednesday that they are collaborating on a ten-day integrated training program to respond to cholera outbreaks in refugee camps.
The initiative, which is being rolled out at refugee camps in Dadaab and Fafi sub-counties of eastern Kenya, targets healthcare workers, community health volunteers, and camp leaders, the Ministry of Health said in a statement issued in Nairobi, the capital of Kenya.
The refugee camps identified as cholera hotspots in Kenya have seen 2,700 cholera infections since October 2022, making it crucial for healthcare workers to enhance their knowledge and skills in managing cholera patients, the ministry said.
“The training covers various aspects, including case detection, clinical case management, infection control, risk communication, community engagement, lab testing, nutrition, and water quality testing,” the ministry said. “This effort complements the ongoing work by UNHCR (the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees) and its partners, who primarily focus on healthcare and nutrition services for both refugees and host communities.”
Cholera, which is a severe diarrheal infection with potentially fatal consequences if not treated promptly, remains a global public health concern, the ministry said.
The ministry rolled out the oral cholera vaccination campaign early this year, targeting 2.2 million people aged one year and above.
