Nakuru Hosts Experts for Polio and Measles Reporting Supervision

Written by Ruth Magak

A team of experts from the Ministry of Health, World Health Organization (WHO), and Kenya National Immunization Technical Advisory Group (KENITAG) is currently in Nakuru to conduct support supervision on polio and measles reporting. This initiative is vital in strengthening Nakuru’s health surveillance system and ensuring that reporting rates for these critical diseases are improved.

This morning, Chief Officer for Medical Services Dr. John Murima hosted the visiting team before their scheduled visits to the sub-counties. Dr. Murima emphasized Nakuru’s high alert status for disease surveillance, citing the effective use of hospital and community event-based surveillance models.

“Our comprehensive approach ensures that we can detect and respond to potential outbreaks swiftly, safeguarding the health of our residents,” said Dr Murima.

Accurate and timely disease reporting is fundamental to public health. It allows health authorities to track disease trends, monitor the effectiveness of vaccination programs, and implement prompt and targeted interventions when necessary.

Nakuru aims to improve its disease monitoring capabilities and enhance overall health outcomes for the community by scaling up reporting rates across different sub-counties.

The collaboration between the Ministry of Health, WHO, and KENITAG underscores the importance of a united approach to health surveillance.

The experts will assess current reporting mechanisms, identify any gaps, and recommend new interventions to bolster the existing systems.

This support supervision will also involve training and capacity-building exercises for local health workers to ensure they are equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to maintain high standards of disease reporting and surveillance.

Nakuru County is committed to protecting public health and preventing disease outbreaks through proactive measures being taken, including this support supervision exercise, which is crucial for maintaining a robust health surveillance system.

Nakuru is safeguarding its population and contributing to the global fight against preventable diseases like polio and measles by working with the national and international health bodies.

The initiative highlights Nakuru’s dedication to enhancing its public health infrastructure.

The efforts to improve disease reporting and surveillance are essential steps towards ensuring a healthier future for all residents.

The county remains vigilant and prepared to address any health challenges that may arise, with the continued support of its health partners.