Marsabit Health Department steps up disease surveillance in Moyale amid refugee surge

By JB Nateleng

The Marsabit County Department of Health has intensified health surveillance and response measures in Moyale following an increase in the number of Ethiopian refugees seeking shelter in the area amid ongoing intercommunal clashes in the neighbouring country.

Speaking to journalists, Marsabit County Executive Committee Member for Health Malicha Boru said health workers were prepared to provide preventive and curative services, as well as identify and report any disease outbreaks that may arise.

Boru revealed that more than 30 women had so far delivered at Moyale Hospital, emphasising the importance of collaboration between healthcare workers and other stakeholders to ensure refugees have access to essential health services.

He further said the department was monitoring the possibility of measles infections in Moyale, with several samples already collected for laboratory testing to establish whether there were cases of the disease.

More than 50,000 Ethiopian refugees have so far crossed into Kenya and sought shelter in Moyale following the ongoing conflict.