Written By: Faith jemosop
Kenya has been grappling with recurring cholera outbreaks for decades, but the recent surge in cases has raised serious concerns. With numerous deaths and hundreds of people infected across several counties, the question arises: Why is Kenya experiencing this deadly cholera outbreak now?
The answer lies in a combination of factors:
- Climate Change
Climate change is altering weather patterns across the world, and Kenya is no exception. The country has seen increasingly erratic rainfall patterns, prolonged droughts followed by intense floods. These shifts in climate have created the perfect environment for the spread of waterborne diseases like cholera.
During drought periods, communities are forced to rely on unsafe water sources, such as stagnant ponds, unprotected wells, or rivers that are prone to contamination. When the rains arrive, the floods that follow can wash away raw sewage and waste, contaminating previously safe water sources.
This contamination leads to the rapid spread of cholera. A report from the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) highlighted that rising temperatures and unpredictable rainfall have made East Africa, including Kenya, more vulnerable to waterborne disease outbreaks.
The connection between climate change and cholera outbreaks is clear. Extreme weather patterns caused by climate change are directly contributing to the contamination of water sources, which is a key factor in the spread of cholera.
2. Poor Sanitation and Lack of Access to Clean Water
While climate change plays a significant role, poor sanitation and lack of access to clean water have long been persistent issues in many parts of Kenya. The country’s infrastructure, especially in rural areas and informal urban settlements, is not equipped to handle the increasing demand for clean water and proper waste management.
In informal settlements like Kibra and Mathare, and in rural areas with limited infrastructure, open defecation and the use of contaminated water sources are common practices. Many of these communities lack the basic sanitation facilities necessary to prevent the spread of cholera and other diseases. The absence of clean water sources, coupled with overcrowded living conditions, creates an environment where diseases can spread rapidly.
Also Read: Why the ClimateCrisis Is Also a Health Crisis
When heavy rains hit, these conditions worsen. The flooding can wash waste into water sources, making already contaminated water even more dangerous. This is why cholera outbreaks are so much more severe during the rainy season, as the influx of waterborne pathogens quickly contaminates vulnerable populations.
3. Weak Healthcare Infrastructure
Kenya’s healthcare system also plays a role in the frequency and severity of cholera outbreaks. While the government has made strides to improve healthcare access, many rural and peri-urban areas still face significant shortages of medical facilities and trained health professionals. Hospitals are often under-resourced, and health workers may lack the tools or training to manage outbreaks effectively.
This lack of infrastructure makes it difficult to respond to cholera outbreaks promptly. Delayed detection, limited access to treatment, and insufficient medical resources can cause cholera to escalate quickly, leading to more infections and, tragically, more deaths.
The Impact of Cholera on Vulnerable Populations
Kenya’s vulnerable populations particularly those in slums, rural areas, and displaced communities are most at risk during cholera outbreaks. The lack of access to clean water, coupled with overcrowded living conditions and inadequate sanitation, makes it difficult for people to protect themselves from cholera.
People in these areas are often economically disadvantaged, making it harder for them to access healthcare when they become sick. The economic impact of cholera is devastating as well, as families lose income when they fall ill or are forced to care for a loved one. The spread of cholera in these regions can have long-term effects on families and entire communities, deepening poverty and hardship.
Also Read: Kenya Battles Deadly Cholera Outbreak Linked to Climate Shocks
While the current cholera outbreak is a serious crisis, there are several long-term solutions that Kenya can implement to prevent future outbreaks and reduce the impact of waterborne diseases like cholera.
1. Improving Access to Clean Water and Sanitation
The most critical step in preventing cholera is improving access to clean water and sanitation facilities. Building better sewage systems and ensuring access to protected water sources, especially in vulnerable areas, will significantly reduce the chances of contamination. The government and local authorities should also focus on promoting safe water handling practices and encouraging the use of water purification methods.
2. Investing in Climate-Resilient Infrastructure
As climate change accelerates, climate-resilient infrastructure becomes a priority. This includes investing in flood control measures, drainage systems, and early warning systems that can alert communities to upcoming floods or droughts. This infrastructure will help protect water sources from contamination and allow for quicker responses when extreme weather events occur.
3. Strengthening the Healthcare System
Kenya must continue to strengthen its healthcare infrastructure to ensure that the country is better prepared to respond to outbreaks. This includes improving access to healthcare facilities, training more health professionals, and ensuring that medical supplies for treating cholera are available in the most affected areas. Fast, efficient treatment can prevent deaths and reduce the severity of outbreaks.
4. Public Health Education
Public health education is vital for preventing cholera outbreaks. Communities need to be informed about the importance of handwashing, water purification, and proper sanitation practices. The government and NGOs can use media campaigns, community health workers, and local leaders to disseminate this information and help people protect themselves from cholera.
5. International Cooperation and Funding
Kenya cannot address the cholera issue alone. International support is critical for helping the country tackle both the immediate and long-term challenges posed by climate change and waterborne diseases. Collaborating with organizations like the World Health Organization (WHO) and United Nations (UN) can provide Kenya with the resources and expertise needed to build a more resilient healthcare system and infrastructure.