Long-distant drivers have issued demands to the Ministry of Health following the increased cases of the Mpox disease in the country.
Speaking during the conference on the update of the disease in the country on Thursday January 23 , the long-distance drivers revealed that they are the ones at risk the most since they are always in transit.
Issuing five demands they want to be addressed, the drivers have called upon the government to provide health resources and support by setting up mobile clinics at major truck stops, rest areas, and transportation hubs to help them access medical attention even while in transit.
"Drivers are always on the move and may not have access to regular health checkups so providing them with health support like setting up mobile clinics to provide accessible resources to drivers like vaccinations where needed, consultations is essential to make it easier for drivers to access timely care when needed," the drivers said.
Apart from the mobile clinics, the drivers have also asked the government to provide them with education and awareness on the disease. They have called upon the Ministry to collaborate with the drivers' association to distribute information materials on Mpox including symptoms, prevention measures, and how to seek care.
They have also called on the Ministry to provide masks, water and all essentials that will help them practice the prevention measures to curb the further spread of the disease.
The Ministry has been asked to provide reliable systems that will allow proper tracking and reporting of the cases of Mpox to ensure that proper measures are taken if an outbreak occurs.
According to the drivers, mitigating Mpox is not just a responsibility of the government but the community at large, they have called for the Ministry to provide a safer environment to help curb further spread.
"Through a shared responsibility and commitment to public health, drivers and the Ministry of Health can help create a safer environment," the driver's association noted.
The drivers have vowed to join forces with the government to ensure that the disease is properly handled and further spread prevented.
Present at the press conference Public Health Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni who revealed that cases of the disease across the country have increased.
Nakuru County was identified as a high-risk area for Mpox, with cases now reaching 10 due to the increased influx of people in the region, bringing the total number of cases in the country to 36.
