Turkana County, donors adopt strategy to contain cholera outbreak
The county government indicated that the discussions focused on strategic interventions and emergency preparedness, including surveillance, contact tracing, and other measures aimed at preventing further transmission.
In response to a cholera outbreak in Turkana County, health officials and donor partners have adopted a strategy aimed at containing the spread of the disease.
According to the county government, a total of seven cases have been confirmed from 16 samples collected in both refugee camps and host communities.
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The County Department of Health and Sanitation, in collaboration with the International Rescue Committee (IRC), UNICEF, the World Health Organisation (WHO), and other stakeholders, convened to discuss rapid response efforts for the outbreak.
The county government indicated that the discussions focused on strategic interventions and emergency preparedness, including surveillance, contact tracing, and other measures aimed at preventing further transmission.
During the meeting, the County Deputy Director of Medical Services, Dr Bonventure Ameyo, emphasised the need to strengthen county and sub-county response efforts. These efforts include coordination, surveillance in identified hotspots, and enhanced monitoring at points of entry.
“We need to strengthen awareness creation and risk communication, commodity pre-positioning and management, laboratory and logistical management, and water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH)/infection prevention,” he said.
He noted that access to adequate WASH facilities is crucial to preventing further infections.
Donor partners also raised key intervention areas, including the importance of community engagement in the response efforts.
The county government confirmed that the first case of cholera was reported on May 18, 2025, in Kalobeyei, where the patient was admitted to Amusai Health Facility.
“During the initial outbreak, of the few specimen samples collected, three tested positive,” the county report states.
For quality assurance, additional samples were collected, of which five returned positive results.
The government added that six out of nine patients have since been discharged, while three remain under treatment.
Following the emergence of new cases, 16 more samples were collected, from which seven new infections were confirmed.
“As of today, we have one case in Kakuma Refugee Camp 1, two in Kakuma 2, one in Kakuma 3, and four cases in Kalobeyei Settlement,” reads a statement from the county government.
On April 8, 2025, the Cabinet Secretary for Health, Aden Duale, issued a press statement confirming 94 cholera cases, including six fatalities, across Migori, Kisumu and Nairobi counties.
He assured the public that the country remains adequately prepared to manage and contain the outbreak, and that all counties are on high alert, enhancing surveillance and community sensitisation.
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