Friday 20 Sep 2024 {HMC} Kenya’s proposed Sh6.7 billion Mpox response fund is not enough and has not been effectively prioritised, several groups have said.
They noted there was no provision for vaccine procurement in the proposed budget.
The groups, speaking in Nairobi, urged the government to refocus the allocation towards critical areas like vaccine procurement, advanced diagnostic tools and community sensitisation.
The government says that from the proposed fund, Sh800 million would go to temporary isolation spaces and Sh91 million for healthcare worker training.
The remaining funds will be allocated to efforts such as screening, procurement of PPEs and community-based surveillance.
“Mpox could follow the same path as Covid-19. The reported five cases today could turn into thousands, just like one Covid case led to more than 300,000 infections and nearly 6,000 deaths. We must act now before it’s too late,” said Dr Samuel Kinyanjui, country programme director at AHF Kenya.
He spoke at a media briefing in Nairobi.
However, the World Health Organization has many times said regardless of the strain, Mpox is not comparable to Covid, as authorities know how to control its spread.
Public Health PS Mary Muthoni said Kenya has confirmed only five Mpox cases, one each in Taita Taveta, Busia, Nairobi, Mombasa and Nakuru.
Every patient has since recovered.
Muthoni said the Ministry of Health, in partnership with county governments and key stakeholders, is actively strengthening preparedness measures at all border points to bolster Kenya’s public health defences.
“Our borders are the frontline in preventing the spread of diseases. Early detection, swift containment and seamless coordination between agencies are key to managing public health threats like Mpox,” she said recently when she visited Namanga border.
Of the allocated Sh6.7 billion, Sh10 million has been earmarked for screening at border points.
In the media briefing, the CSOs urged the WHO to expedite the review and approval of alternative Mpox vaccines to enhance affordability and accessibility by increasing the number of manufacturers.
Currently, the only available vaccine, MVA-BN, is priced at Sh12,900 per dose, making it prohibitively expensive for many.
Dr Kinyanjui stressed the urgent need to address these high costs through technology and knowledge transfers, including patent waivers, to enable regional vaccine production.
“These measures will increase vaccine supply, reduce costs and strengthen the global response to Mpox,” he said.
James Kamau from the Kenya Treatment Access Movement urged the government to take funding and accountability seriously.
“We are asking the Kenyan government to allocate funds specifically for disaster management including pandemics. In 2022, the National Treasury developed a Disaster Management Fund, but it has yet to be operationalised,” he said.
“As we work towards universal health coverage and the launch of the Social Health Authority, disaster management remains unaddressed through the SHA.”
Faith Ndung’u, advocacy manager of the Health NGOs’ Network, said civil society should be involved in the response.
“It is important for us to acknowledge the role of collective action,” she said.
“As civil society and communities, we are crucial in prevention, referrals and sensitisation, and we urge the Ministry of Health to empower us in these efforts.”
Nephak, the association of Kenyans affected by HIV, urged the government to prioritise community awareness and vaccine access, particularly for vulnerable populations such as people living with HIV.
“Mpox poses a serious risk to our communities, especially to children living with HIV. We must enhance community sensitisation for those most at risk. By educating communities on Mpox, we can mitigate fear, anxiety and misinformation,” said Nelson Otwoma, head of Nephak.
SOURCE
By JOHN MUCHANGI
