Nakuru county's Mpox strategy shows early success
Nakuru County has recorded a significant decline in Mpox cases, a development attributed to aggressive vaccination efforts, targeted outreach, and strengthened infection prevention and control (IPC) measures.
According to Moses Obiero, Manager of the Nakuru Public Health Emergency Operations Center (PHEOC), the county’s coordinated strategy has significantly slowed transmission and placed Nakuru on a better trajectory compared to other counties.
He says the community’s response to the Mpox vaccination campaign exceeded expectations.
“Our vaccine uptake was extremely high. We used all the 2,700 doses allocated to us without a single wastage, and even then, the demand was far greater than the supply,” he notes.
Obiero adds that residents turned up in large numbers, demonstrating strong trust in the public health system and recognition of the disease’s severity.
He observes that the county’s priority focus was on hotspot regions and high-risk groups, including sex workers and truck drivers along the Northern Corridor Road—areas known for high mobility and close-contact interactions.
“We deliberately targeted key populations because they are more exposed. Hotspots like Salgaa, Kikopey, Naivasha, Maai Mahiu, and Longonot required concentrated interventions,” he says.
Although many individuals in these groups were reached, Obiero notes that the county urgently needs more vaccines to cover remaining gaps.
beyond vaccination, the county deployed comprehensive sensitization efforts emphasizing Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) measures. Obiero says these efforts included strict hygiene protocols in health facilities, lodges, guest houses, brothels, and bars—locations identified as high-transmission environments.
“We enforced hand washing stations, cleanliness standards, and mandatory linen changes after every client. These measures, combined with behavioral sensitization, contributed greatly to our success,” he notes.
Nakuru’s caseload has dropped significantly. Initially, the county had the highest number of cases nationally, with 10 confirmed infections. Over time, the total rose to 25, but the increase has been gradual, unlike the earlier rapid surge.
“Other counties have since overtaken us, with some recording more than 300 cases. Nakuru has now dropped to seventh place nationwide, which shows the impact of our interventions,” he notes.
He emphasizes that while progress is encouraging, the work is not yet done.
“We need continued support, especially in vaccine supply. If the national government can procure more doses, we will be able to fully protect our key populations and maintain this downward trend,” he says.
Obiero also highlights the importance of sustained vigilance within the community.
“Mpox transmission thrives in environments with close physical contact. As long as the hotspots remain active, our work must continue,” he notes.
Still, he expresses confidence that Nakuru’s progress will hold with continued adherence to preventive measures.