Nairobi, Kenya - Cholera, a highly contagious waterborne disease, has been a persistent concern in Kenya affecting 27 counties. Since January 2023, 12,036 active cases, with 199 deaths have been reported. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) through its Health Division is working with the Ministry of Health and other partners to curb the further spread of Cholera.

IOM has been actively involved in the national vaccination drive that started on 3 August, which has seen 1,609,239 people vaccinated with the Cholera outbreak controlled in 25 Counties. Moreover, IOM through its Eastleigh Wellness Center in Nairobi was able to mobilize community health workers who were able to vaccinate more people, as well as raise awareness on effective protective measures in the area.

This achievement signifies more than just numbers; it reflects the collective commitment to safeguarding the health and well-being, especially for vulnerable population including the migrants.  Eastleigh is an urban informal settlement in Nairobi, Kenya with over 100,000 people. The area also houses migrant populations from DRC, Ethiopia, Somalia, and Uganda. IOM contributed to the vaccination of both host community and migrant population, increasing the access to healthcare and health education to the most vulnerable members.

“We have been in coordination with the county health management team by seconding staff to support the training of the community health volunteers as well as providing equipment. We will continue to provide technical support within the risk communication and community engagement and surveillance pillars through door-to-door community engagement, outreach, and sensitization activities and operational capacity in this catchment area,” remarked Mr Faisal Sharif, Head of Programmes and Policy, IOM Kenya.

IOM remains determined to provide support to the most vulnerable communities of migrants and the host community members. 

For more information, please contact:  

Gerry Mtike, Migration Health Officer, Email: gmtike@iom.int

Cynthia Meru, National Communications Officer, Email: cmeru@iom.int