WHO, Kenya ramp up readiness for El Nino deluge

The World Health Organization (WHO) is collaborating closely with the Kenyan government to mitigate health risks linked to the upcoming 2026/2027 El Nino season, the UN health agency announced Tuesday.



Speaking in Nairobi, the Kenyan capital, ahead of the October-December rainy season, WHO Representative to Kenya Neema Rusibamayila Kimambo said that continuous risk assessments will guide health authorities in identifying potential threats and strengthening emergency preparedness against flooding and climate-related disease outbreaks.



"The experience of the long rains earlier this year provides important lessons for preparing health services and communities before the next rainy season," Kimambo said in a statement.



The WHO said that among the areas being assessed are disease surveillance and early warning, laboratory and response capacity, safe water, sanitation and hygiene, risk communication and continuity of essential health services.