Health Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni has revealed that at least 3,986,280 positive cases of Covid-19 were reported in Kenya by May 5, 2023, out of which 5,688 resulted in deaths.

The PS intimated that the outbreak of Coronavirus pandemic in Kenya provided a significant learning opportunity for the country on the importance of collaborative approaches.

Reflecting on Kenya's Covid-19 experience, the PS acknowledged the lives lost while emphasizing the paradigm shift realised in preparedness and response and commended the progress in emergency coordination, surveillance, clinical care, risk communication, and community engagement. 

Muthoni spoke at the opening the 9th Africa Regional Meeting of the Collaborative Arrangement for the Prevention of Public Health Events in Civil Aviation (CAPSCA) in Mombasa.

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“The Covid-19, Ebola, and Marburg Virus disease outbreaks and other public health events have served to underscore the importance of a whole government, whole society approach to pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response efforts,” noted PS Muthoni.

She noted that the aviation industry is one of the key economic sectors that are adversely affected by global pandemics hence the need for their involvement in response strategies.

“Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) and the International Civil Aviation Organization play a critical role in ensuring multi-stakeholder involvement in planning preparedness and response strategies to public health events affecting the aviation sector,” she added.

Muthoni added that Kenya would also use their influence in the various global bodies to push for enhanced health security across the globe.

“As a country, we are also working closely with the international organizations to enhance global health security. We are currently serving as Vice Chair and Bureau member for the WHO AFRO region on the WHO Working Group on amendments to the International Health Regulations (WGIHR),” she concluded.

The PS stated that the three-day conference accords global aviation players a chance to revise their pandemic preparedness and response and adopt best practices going forward.