Kenya’s Mpox and Marburg Virus Taskforce Strengthens Preparedness amid Emerging Regional Threats

In a proactive health security move, Kenya’s National Taskforce for Response to Mpox and Preparedness for Marburg Virus Disease (MVD) convened today, reviewing efforts to address the Mpox outbreak and fortifying plans against the looming risk of Marburg Virus Disease. With neighboring countries reporting cases, the taskforce aims to strengthen Kenya’s capacity to tackle these health threats head-on.
According to the Ministry of health the taskforce is dedicated to mitigating potential health crises in Kenya, the taskforce works by leveraging expertise from different government representatives from different ministries, county officials and health sector partners.
Recent MVD cases in Rwanda have prompted heightened vigilance in Kenya with the taskforce putting measures in place to prevent a potential spread including establishing specialized treatment units and ramping up health worker training across counties. This training ensures healthcare providers are equipped with critical skills to respond promptly to MVD while handling Mpox cases.
Through a statement released by the ministry of Health Principal Secretary Mary Muriuki restated the ministry’s its commitment to Kenya’s health security, “The Ministry of Health remains committed to Kenya’s constitutional goal of achieving the highest attainable standard of health for all. This taskforce’s efforts signify a proactive stance in strengthening Kenya’s disease prevention, preparedness, and response framework. Through ongoing collaboration, the Taskforce aims to eliminate the Mpox outbreak and establish robust preparedness mechanisms for potential future threats, including Marburg Virus Disease.”
The taskforce was formed under the Ministry of Health’s mandate, it has mobilized a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach since its inception on September 9, 2024.currently it is focused on increasing capacity through among healthcare workers through training the Ministry of Health has developed a comprehensive training program focused on Mpox and Marburg Virus Disease response. This program equips healthcare professionals nationwide with essential skills to manage both infections, strengthening Kenya’s resilience against current and future public health threats.
Restating its role in coordination of response the statement read in part, “The National Taskforce is the national coordination framework mandated to lead the Mpox response and prepare for potential Marburg Virus Disease cases. Incident Management System will oversee all operational aspects of the response, providing cohesive and strategic leadership.”
The taskforce went on further to ask for enhanced collaboration from all government Ministries, Departments, Agencies, Counties, and partners to further intensify their contributions toward eradicating Mpox in Kenya and to ensure nationwide readiness for any Marburg Virus Disease cases.