Several advocacy groups have raised concerns that the proposed Sh6.7 billion Mpox (formerly known as monkeypox) response budget in Kenya is inadequate and lacks prioritization of essential areas, such as vaccine procurement. While the government has allocated the funds towards containment measures like isolation spaces, healthcare worker training, and screening at border points, these groups argue that more must be done to prepare for a possible Mpox outbreak.
Government’s Allocation and Initial Concerns
Kenya’s Ministry of Health has confirmed five Mpox cases to date, one each in Taita Taveta, Busia, Nairobi, Mombasa, and Nakuru counties, all of whom have since recovered. As part of the country’s preparedness, Sh800 million of the proposed Sh6.7 billion will be directed toward establishing temporary isolation spaces, while Sh91 million will be spent on training healthcare workers. Additionally, Sh10 million has been earmarked for screening at Kenya’s border points, a measure seen as crucial to preventing further infections from entering the country.
Dr. Samuel Kinyanjui, the country programme director for AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) Kenya, has been among the most vocal critics of the budget. During a media briefing in Nairobi, he warned that Kenya could see an Mpox outbreak escalate in a manner similar to the Covid-19 pandemic. Dr. Kinyanjui stated, “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.”
Kinyanjui’s concerns were echoed by other civil society organizations (CSOs) and public health experts, who believe the response is too slow and underfunded in critical areas like vaccine procurement and community education.
The Need for Vaccines and Diagnostic Tools
One of the most significant concerns voiced by the advocacy groups is the lack of any provision for vaccine procurement in the Sh6.7 billion budget. This omission is particularly alarming given the high price of the only currently available Mpox vaccine, MVA-BN, which costs approximately Sh12,900 per dose. Such a price is prohibitively expensive for many Kenyans, particularly those in vulnerable populations.
Dr. Kinyanjui stressed the need for swift action on this front, calling on the World Health Organization (WHO) to expedite the review and approval of alternative vaccines to make them more affordable and accessible. “These measures will increase vaccine supply, reduce costs, and strengthen the global response to Mpox,” he said. He also advocated for technology and knowledge transfers, such as patent waivers, to enable regional vaccine production, which could drive down costs and bolster Kenya’s preparedness.
James Kamau from the Kenya Treatment Access Movement reiterated the importance of prioritizing vaccine access, particularly for communities most at risk, including people living with HIV. The community-based approach has been endorsed by civil society groups such as the Health NGOs’ Network, whose advocacy manager, Faith Ndung’u, emphasized the need for civil society’s involvement in Kenya’s response to Mpox. “It is important for us to acknowledge the role of collective action. As civil society and communities, we are crucial in prevention, referrals, and sensitization,” she said.
Comparison to Covid-19 and Global Lessons
Although comparisons to the Covid-19 pandemic have been made, the World Health Organization has repeatedly clarified that Mpox, regardless of its strain, is not directly comparable to Covid-19. Unlike Covid-19, Mpox has well-established control measures that, when effectively implemented, can significantly limit its spread. Nevertheless, the fear of a potential public health crisis has led health officials and civil society groups to push for a more comprehensive strategy, especially in terms of prevention and vaccine access.
Public Health Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni acknowledged these concerns, but reassured the public that the Kenyan government is actively strengthening preparedness measures. “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 during a recent visit to the Namanga border, where enhanced screening measures are in place.
Border Control and Surveillance
Of the Sh6.7 billion Mpox response budget, Sh10 million has been set aside specifically for border point screenings. This allocation is critical given Kenya’s position as a regional hub for trade and travel, making its borders particularly vulnerable to disease transmission. By ensuring that screening protocols are in place and healthcare workers at border points are well-equipped, Kenya can mitigate the risk of Mpox spreading into the country.
However, critics argue that the funds allocated for screening are still insufficient in addressing the broader needs of the country. Vaccine procurement, advanced diagnostic tools, and widespread community awareness programs remain underfunded. Without vaccines and robust public education campaigns, Mpox could become another public health threat that is difficult to control.
Civil Society’s Role and Call to Action
Nelson Otwoma, head of Nephak, an association for Kenyans affected by HIV, emphasized the urgency of vaccine access and community sensitization, especially for vulnerable populations. He warned that Mpox poses a serious risk to communities with weakened immune systems, particularly children living with HIV. “We must enhance community sensitization for those most at risk. By educating communities on Mpox, we can mitigate fear, anxiety, and misinformation,” said Otwoma.
The advocacy groups have also urged the Kenyan government to operationalize the Disaster Management Fund established in 2022 by the National Treasury. This fund, once functional, could provide the financial resources necessary for a more comprehensive response to public health emergencies like Mpox.
Conclusion
Kenya’s proposed Sh6.7 billion Mpox response budget, while a step in the right direction, has drawn criticism for failing to adequately address key aspects of the crisis, particularly vaccine procurement and community sensitization. As civil society groups continue to call for more significant investments in prevention and preparedness, the government must act quickly to ensure that Kenya is ready to tackle the potential spread of Mpox. Failure to do so could result in a public health crisis reminiscent of the early days of the Covid-19 pandemic.
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