At least 3,986,280 positive cases of COVID-19 were reported in the country by the 5th of May 2023, out of which 5,688 succumbed to the disease.
Speaking in Mombasa during the opening of the 9th Africa Regional Meeting of the Collaborative Arrangement for the Prevention of Public Health Events in Civil Aviation (CAPSCA), Health Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni said that the outbreak of COVID-19 also acted as a learning opportunity for the country.
“The COVID-19, Ebola, and Marburg Virus Disease outbreaks and other public health events have served to underscore the importance of a whole government, whole society approach to pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response efforts,” said PS Mary Muthoni.
Speaking during the opening, the Health PS said that the outbreaks of diseases such as COVID-19, Ebola, and Marburg Disease affected the aviation industry.
“Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) and the International Civil Aviation Organization play a critical role in ensuring multi-stakeholder involvement in planning preparedness and response strategies to public health events affecting the aviation sector,” said the Health PS.
PS Muthoni said that the three-day meeting will provide an opportunity for countries to review their pandemic preparedness and response, and document best practices and challenges in view of sustaining and building on the gains.
“As a country, we are also working closely with the international organizations to enhance global health security. We are currently serving as Vice Chair and Bureau member for the WHO AFRO region on the WHO Working Group on amendments to the International Health Regulations (WGIHR),” said PS Muthoni.
