- The dry water stand pipes in Kenya’s capital Nairobi threatens to reverse efforts by the government to contain the spread of cholera, Public Health and Sanitation Minister Beth Mugo has said in a statement.
She said the current water shortages in the country spells disaster for the country, stating that without clean water, cholera will continue to devastate communities.
The minister’s statement comes amid reports that 19 people had died of cholera in the past four days, with the highest toll recorded in Laisamis where 13 people died, and at least 20 patients admitted to a health centre. Forty more are reported to have been treated and sent home, according to local news reports.
Ms Mugo said that a special team of doctors and health workers was in Laisamis to stop the spread of cholera, while at the same time, a team of public health officials have been ordered to strictly inspect all eateries and ensure high standards of hygiene.
The minister also said that the Sh19.5 billion Treasury allocated to her ministry in the 2008/9 Budget was not enough. “We still have a huge gap particularly for purchase and storage of vaccines,” she said.
Meanwhile, cholera outbreak in northeastern Kenya has reportedly killed at least 30 people over the past month due to lack of clean water. More than 1,400 cases had been reported in the region.
The outbreak which has ravaged communities in the past six-month has reportedly claimed 76 lives.
Many regions are experiencing water shortage, according to local reports, with Nairobi residents getting water on rotational basis after the water level at Ndakaini dam, the main source for the city, fell drastically due to drought.
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