Strategic approach
Elements included in the strategic approach contained in this National Mpox Risk Communication and Community Engagement Plan are:
• coordination
• advocacy
• communication
• infodemic management
• social mobilization and community engagement
• capacity-building monitoring and evaluation.
Coordination
• An mpox RCCE working group will be formed as part of the national Incident Management System. The working group will draw membership from the MoH’s Department of Health Promotion, Division of Disease Surveillance and Response Unit; United Nations agencies (WHO, United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF)); the United States Agency for International Development; and international nongovernmental organizations (Kenya Red Cross Society, Amref Health Africa), among others.
• The working group will be guided by terms of reference.
• The working group will meet on a regular basis to develop and review the RCCE plan and monitor the progress of implementation of RCCE activities during the response period.
• The meetings will be held either virtually or in person.
• Capacity-building and strengthening will be supported to incorporate RCCE into integrated trainings for health-care providers.
Cross-border county coordination of RCCE interventions and sharing of updates will be strengthened.
Advocacy
The primary objective of advocacy is to ensure effective buy-in of policymakers and decision makers to own and support mpox RCCE activities. It involves engaging stakeholders who have an influence over the community and includes political, social or administrative leadership. It is expected that upon engagement, the stakeholders will commit to and support advocating for mpox awareness-creation and the uptake of mpox prevention measures at national, county and subcounty levels.
Planned advocacy activities
• Hold a national advocacy meeting that will culminate in a media briefing for high-level national dissemination.
• Support county and subcounty levels to conduct advocacy meetings in affected locations. Support local advocacy meetings in any location that will report local cases.
Communication
Communication aims at ensuring that mpox messages and materials are always available through a variety of communication channels that are appropriate to different target audiences. Given that everyone is at risk of mpox, the communication strategy will target all members of the community.
The communication plan will be guided by an mpox communication matrix (see Table 2).
Item
Problem statement
Changes the programme calls for
Detail
While mpox is not a new infection, its emergence and regional spread into non-endemic countries presents as a novel infection. Novel infections are often associated with public misinformation, rumours and myths. There is limited knowledge and awareness of the disease and its modes of transmission, and prevention and control measures. With mpox occurring soon after the global coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, there are also fears and worries among the public that the measures associated with COVID-19 control will be reintroduced, i.e., quarantine, social distancing and vaccination.
• Increase knowledge and awareness of mpox and preventative measures.
• Institute systems to track, monitor and respond to infodemics associated with mpox.
• Build public community trust and confidence in the national ability to prevent and control mpox.
• trengthen health-care worker–client communication during mpox case management.
Audience segmentation
Primary audience
Everyone at risk of mpox, high-risk counties, truck drivers, commercial sex workers
Secondary audience Caregivers, frontline health-care workers, health management teams (including health promotion staff), journalists and media influencers, school-aged children, teachers and headmasters, community-level key influencers and opinion leaders, civil society organizations and groups
Tertiary audience
Policymakers; political, social and administrative leaders; partners
Table 3: Mpox communication plan
Item Detail
Primary audience
Desired changes
Key barriers
Specific communication objectives
• Increased knowledge and awareness of mpox prevention and control
• Public trust and confidence in the management of mpox so members of the public can present themselves with suspected cases
• Monitoring and response to infodemics associated with mpox
• Limited knowledge of mpox among the public
• Limited confidence in handling mpox cases among health-care workers
• Widespread infodemics on mpox on social media and in community conversation, including mistrust of government by the public
• uboptimal infodemic management and coordination in MoH
1. Increase knowledge and awareness of the mpox outbreak in Kenya
2. Increase uptake of mpox preventive measures by the public and specific high-risk communities
3. Monitor and respond timeously to mpox infodemics (myths, misconceptions and misinformation)
4. Improve and build confidence in the health-care worker through client communication
Communication channels
Communication materials
Themes of key messages
• Social and mass media
• nterpersonal communication
• Printed information, education and communication (IEC) materials
• Social media posts
• Press releases and alerts
1. Who is at risk? Everyone is at risk of mpox.
2. What is mpox and what are its signs and symptoms?
3. How is mpox transmitted?
4. How can protect myself against mpox?
5. What should do if suspect have mpox?
6. How should I take care of someone with mpox?
7. What is the treatment for mpox?
Secondary audience
Desired changes
Key barriers
Specific communication objectives
Communication channels
• Promote and spread the key messages to increase public knowledge and awareness, acting as a trusted source of information
• Timely community-based identification and reporting of suspected cases and concerns
• Though mpox has been in existence for many years (since 1970), this is the first time Kenya is reporting cases and the public perceives it as a novel infection
• Since the COVID-19 pandemic, the public has developed a mistrust in the government and the situation is worsened by the current political unrest in the country
• Increased knowledge and awareness of mpox and preventative measures
• Provide space for reaching communities with health education and promotion activities
• Community-based reporting of suspected cases and reporting to appropriate authorities
• Identification of and timely response to infodemics
• Coverage by journalists and media
Item Detail
Communication materials
Key messages
• Press briefs
• EC materials targeting school-age pupils
• nterpersonal communication materials for frontline workers, including guidelines and lay case definition
• TV and radio messages (may be used in other media, e.g., thumb drives for use in different settings)
• Social media posts
• Vehicles with public address systems mounted on them
• Barazas
1. Who is at risk? (Everyone is at risk of mpox.)
2. What is mpox and what are the signs and symptoms of mpox?
3. How is mpox transmitted?
4. What is the treatment for mpox?
5. What is the risk to self and others?
6. What are key messages on mpox I need to share?
7. Where can get more information? Who are the contacts?
8. Where and how to report suspected cases? What is the lay case identification?
9. How can prevent the spread of mpox?
Tertiary audience
Desired changes
Key barriers
Specific communication objectives
Communication channels
Communication materials
• Promoting and spreading key messages to increase public knowledge and awareness
• nderstanding their role in preparedness and response
• Coordinating with national and county authorities
• Ownership of response activities and addressing infodemics at the source
• Though mpox has been in existence for many years (since 1970), this is the first time Kenya is reporting cases, so the public perceives it as a novel infection
• Increased knowledge and awareness of mpox and preventative measures
• Provide space for reaching communities with health education and promotion activities
• Community-based reporting of suspected cases and reporting to appropriate authorities
• Identification and timely response to infodemics
• Stakeholder meetings and community dialogue sessions
• Mpox sensitization meetings with staff
• EC materials
• Advocacy briefs
• MoH specific alerts
• Line ministry communiqués
Planned communication activities
• Develop mpox RCCE messages and material, i.e.:
• print materials
• audio or radio messages (may be used in other media, e.g., thumb drives for use in different settings)
• audiovisual media
• social media.
• Print and disseminate mpox messages and materials.
• Deploy vehicles with public address systems mounted on them to conduct street-to-street key message dissemination, including at all high-traffic areas such as markets, water points and food distribution sites.
• Support RCCE activities at points of entry, promote cross-border stakeholders’ meetings and develop joint IEC materials (print and electronic media).
Support RCCE activities at school settings and through school health clubs.
Infodemic management
Though mpox has been in existence for some years, its first occurrence within Kenya is likely to be viewed as a novel event and associated with myths and misconceptions. This was evident following an MoH press release to which the public seemed to exhibit mistrust in the government. Infodemic management will be used to track and provide timely responses to community feedback in high-risk areas.
Planned activities
1. Standardize infodemic management guidelines: Finalize the development of comprehensive infodemic management guidelines for national and county levels. This activity will ensure that guidelines include clear protocols and procedures for identifying, addressing and mitigating misinformation related to mpox.
2. High-level coordination meeting: Conduct a high-level meeting involving representatives from national and county levels, key partners and stakeholders. The objective is to align and streamline infodemic management efforts and establish a cohesive system for tracking of and response to misinformation.
3. Establish real-time tracking and reporting channels: Implement real-time reporting channels such as hotlines, Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD) codes, QR codes, web links and mobile platforms in counties at high risk and at border points. These channels will allow community members to directly report misinformation or any concerns related to mpox promptly and efficiently.
4. Develop debunking content timeously (in English and Swahili) to be shared through various online and offline channels.
5. Map dissemination channels, including online and offline influencer channels.
6. Offline data collection tool development for county health promotion officers and community health promoters: Develop and distribute a standardized tool that county health promotion officers and community health promoters can use to report rumours and misinformation encountered in their communities. The tool should be easy to use and integrate seamlessly into their routine activities.
7. Infodemic management training modules: Create specialized training modules for county health promotion officers and community health promoters focusing on the identification and debunking of misinformation in the community. These modules should cover techniques for effective communication and community engagement.
8. County health promotion officer and community health promoter training sessions: Conduct comprehensive training sessions for county health promotion officers and community health promoters on how to identify misinformation and communicate accurate information effectively. Ensure that these sessions include practical exercises and role-playing scenarios.
9. Public knowledge, attitude and practice assessments: Perform targeted public assessments in counties at risk and at border points to gauge community knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding mpox.
10. Engagement with influencers and leaders: Organize meetings with key social media influencers, religious leaders and community leaders to discuss public concerns about mpox. Provide them with accurate information and strategies to debunk rumours within their spheres of influence.
11. Documentation and sharing of success stories: Collect and document success stories in infodemic management interventions applied during mpox. These will be shared through newsletters, social media and community meetings to inform and inspire future efforts.
Social mobilization and community engagement
The aimis to gain and maintain the involvement of a broad range of groups and sectors in supporting mpox RCCE activities. Communities and families will be engaged through local community networks such as local leaders, faith-based organizations and women and youth groups to develop appropriate knowledge and skills that promote and enhance health and welfare and that stimulate demand for and acceptance of services. This will mainly be channelled through collaboration and partnership with local power structures and cultural networks, including faith-based organizations. These groups will include both the public and private sectors, other non-health government sectors, non-governmental organizations and the media. The aim is to engage social groups, stakeholders and community-based organizations to motivate communities to collectively participate in adherence to mpox preventative measures
Activities
• Develop a social mobilization and community engagement guide.
• Support affected counties to identify and engage community social groups, influencers and leadership, including religious and cultural leaders, to advocate and support.
• Develop a community mpox package for community health promoters.
• Support affected counties to sensitize community health promoters.
• Support community health promoters in affected counties to raise awareness on mpox and facilitate the uptake of mpox prevention and control services through interpersonal and house-to-house communication within their catchment areas.
• Support community dialogue with health service providers and community health promoters to identify issues and challenges and the means to overcome them through community-led sessions.
• Conduct awareness sessions in targeted public places in target counties and subcounties, engaging influencers to answer questions and concerns of targeted communities and disseminating IEC materials to target groups.
• Activate religious and traditional networks to increase credibility, support, reach and acceptance of protective behaviours.
• Deploy vehicles with public address systems mounted on them to conduct street-to-street key message dissemination including at all high-traffic areas such as markets, water points and food distribution sites. Support cross-border RCCE stakeholder meetings and dialogues and develop joint IEC materials, including print and electronic media.
Mpox RCCE preparedness and response scenarios
Given the evolving mpox outbreak situation in the region, scenarios for RCCE preparedness and response to the outbreak have been broadly categorized into two scenarios aimed at strengthening response and preparedness priorities:
• Low-risk scenario: One index case (recovered) and a few other cases identified in one or more counties, and treated.
Moderate or high-risk scenario: Risk of transmission and confirmation of mpox cases in 13 high-risk and several medium-risk counties.
Mpox RCCE activity plan
The activity plan (Table 4) for mpox RCCE is expanded into a schedule of activities for 2024 (Table 5) and a budget (Table 6).
Table 4: Mpox RCCE activity plan
ActivitiesSub-activities
Advocacy activities
Hold a national advocacy meeting with key stakeholders (civil society, religious groups, media houses, medical associations), among others.
Hold subcommittee meetings
Media briefing, issue press releases and advisories
Communication activities Design communication products (posters, social media toolkits)
Develop key messages
Approve key messages
Produce radio and TV spots
Air radio and TV spots
Social mobilization
Frequency Remarks
Weekly/when necessary Requires financial support
Weekly/when necessary Ongoing
Weekly/when necessary To be undertaken by Director General, Principal Secretary or Cabinet Secretary
Weekly/when needed Pending/awaiting approval of key messages)
When necessary Done
When necessary Pending approval
Develop initial spots; more when necessary Requires financial support
Monthly basis Requires financial support
Media talk shows by technical leadsWhen available List of focal persons and spokespersons
Disseminate social media messages
Disseminate messages at points of entry using bulk SMS, interactive voice response (IVR), USSD, 719, posters, electronic screens
Disseminate key messages using public address systems and megaphones, targeting 13 high-risk counties
Community engagement Sensitize community health resource persons, non-governmental organizations and community leaders (teachers, religious leaders, youth leaders, women leaders, etc.)
Daily Awaiting approval
Daily Awaiting approved messages and financial support
Requires financial support
Requires financial support
Monitoring and evaluation
Build capacity of national staff Once Requires financial support
Build capacity of county and subcounty staff
Undertake door-to-door mobilization and community dialogues
Monitor rumours and misinformation
Cascading schedule Requires financial support
Requires financial support
Requires financial support
Hold a national advocacy meeting with key stakeholders (civil society, religious groups, media houses, medical associations), among others
Brief media, issue press releases, alerts and advisories
Media talk shows by technical leads and senior leadership
Disseminate social media messages
2 wk. 3
Showcase MoH interventions, including storytelling on mpox
Disseminate messages at points of entry using bulk SMS, IVR, USSD 719, posters, electronic screens
Disseminate key messages using public address systems and megaphones
Sensitize community health resource persons, non- governmental organizations and community leaders (teachers, religious leaders, youth leaders, women leaders, etc.)
Build capacity of national staff
Social mobilization
Community engagement
Build capacity of county and subcounty staff
Undertake door-todoor mobilization and community dialogues
Monitor rumours and misinformation
Community and communication
Table 6: Budget for mpox activities
Capacity-building
Capacity-building is working with and supporting service providers, communities and institutions to build and develop skills, structure and knowledge to enable them to engage in consultation, define objectives and achieve results and ultimately achieve change that is anchored in the principles of empowerment and equality. Key community members and organizations, as well as other public and private sector partners, staff and volunteers involved in RCCE activities, will receive training and capacity-building with sessions implemented at national, county and subcounty levels in a cascading fashion, commencing with training of trainers.
Activities
• Develop mpox RCCE training materials for health-care workers and community health promoters.
• Build the capacity of health-care workers on the mpox RCCE module during integrated mpox prevention and management training.
• Train county and subcounty health promotion officers, community health promoters and social mobilizers on how to identify and where to refer potential cases who need medical attention, in a cascaded fashion. Provide supportive supervision, documentation of lessons learned and quality reporting.
Monitoring and evaluation
The goal of the monitoring and evaluation plan (see Table 6) is to ensure that the mpox RCCE planned activities are implemented and have achieved the expected results (or not).
Indicators
Number of meetings held, number of communication plans developed, number of key messages developed
Team able to work on key messages, communication plan and response plan, based on the objectives
Availability of minutes
An active RCCE technical working group formed
Virtual meeting conducted for members, activation of Incident Management System structure
Activation of RCCE working group by MoH (national and in counties) and partners
Form mpox RCCE technical working group
Number of meetings held, number of challenges listed, number of key messages produced, number of strategies developed
RCCE support, improved mpox RCCE interventions
Availability of minutes, venue name
The following were discussed: Challenges, key messages and strategic plan
Virtual and physical meetings held
Holding weekly meetings
Hold regular mpox RCCE working group meetings
Total amount of budget, number of key messages produced
Draft plan, budget, draft messages
Availability of the draft plan
Communication, advocacy, mass media, infodemic management, budget, key messages
Strategic areas identified, teams formed to support different thematic areas
Identify key strategic areas for strategic plan, form thematic area teams
Develop Mpox RCCE Plan for Kenya
Number of stakeholders reached, national advocacy stakeholder meeting held
Stakeholders identified, meeting held
Availability of minutes for the meeting, attendance list
National advocacy stakeholder meeting held
Hold meeting with various stakeholders
Stakeholder mapping, national mpox advocacy meeting planned (date and venue)
Hold a national advocacy meeting that will culminate in a media briefing for highlevel national dissemination
Number of counties and subcounties listed, number of meetings held
Counties and subcounties identified, advocacy meetings held
List of high-risk and affected counties and subcounties
Risk assessment done, affected counties listed, advocacy meetings held
Identify highrisk counties, hold virtual or physical meetings
Map high-risk counties, list counties along the transport corridor
Support county and subcounty levels to conduct advocacy meetings in affected locations
Advocacy
Local leaders participate in RCCE activities at local levels
Attendance list, meeting agenda
Number of local leaders reached
Sensitization meetings
Hold advocacy meetings with local leaders
Support local advocacy meeting in any location that will report local cases
Number of local leaders engaged Communication
Number of IEC products designed
Materials developed and produced for various audiences
Number of IEC products printed
Local purchase orders and actual IEC printed
Local purchase orders, local service orders and delivery notes
materials designed and pretested
Drafted and approved key messages
Suppliers identified for printing the IEC materials
Requisition of supply firms to undertake printing, quotations issued, etc.
Determine numbers of IEC materials to be printed and provide terms of reference
Number of channels listed, number of contact persons on list
Scripts developed and produced for various audiences
List of all channels, availability of scripts
Identify and list channels, list of contact persons
Draft scripts for audio messages
Map channels for communication (radio)
Print materials
Advocacy (cont.)
Number of channels listed, number of contact persons on list, number of scripts produced
Scripts developed and produced for various audiences
List of all channels, availability of scripts
Identify and list channels, list of contact persons
Draft scripts for audiovisual messages
Map channels for communication (audiovisual messages)
Audio messages
Audiovisual messages
Social media messages created, increased subscribers on social media platforms, monitoring of responses and feedback on platforms
Meeting minutes, content drafts, platform analytics, feedback mechanism
Areas of discussion identified, number of messages created, engagement matrices (likes, shares and comments)
Create and publish messages, increased engagement on social media platforms
Budget allocation, tool identification, partnership engagement
Identify key areas for engagement, develop content (text, videos)
Social media messages
Indicators of success
Outcome
Materials printed and distributed
Increased knowledge of mpox, adoption of preventive measures
Means of verification
Output
Print receipts, distribution receipts, verification records, feedback surveys
Materials printed and distributed
Input
Process
Source of funding, human resources, materials, technology, partnerships
Design, print and distribute mpox materials, conduct community engagement
Print and disseminate mpox messages and materials
Communication (cont.)
Deployment days, locations covered, sessions, participants, feedback responses
Increased awareness, enhanced engagement, adoption of key behaviours
Session attendance, feedback forms
Number of days of deployment, locations for deployment, number of sessions
Funding, equipment, content, partnerships, logistics
Deploy vehicle with public address system, broadcast messages, engage with community
Deploy vehicle with public address system mounted on it to conduct street-to-street key message dissemination, including at all high-traffic areas such as markets, water points and food distribution sites
Printed materials, e.g., brochures, electronic materials (videos), numbers of meetings, participant booths, travellers reached, workshop participants
Increased awareness, enhanced collaboration, improved engagement
Production receipts, meeting minutes, deployment logs, attendance records, feedback surveys
Brochures produced, videos produced, meeting booths, workshops
Funding, equipment, content, partnerships, logistics
Develop IEC materials, organize crossborder meetings, deploy at points of entry, conduct community engagement
Support RCCE activities at points of entry and promote crossborder stakeholder meetings, including developing joint IEC materials (print and electronic)
Information verified, infographics, dissemination activities, monitoring reports with analytics
Reduced misinformation, increased public awareness, enhanced trust, improved engagement
Verification reports, production records, dissemination logs, monitoring reports, feedback surveys
Information verified, infographics, dissemination activities, monitoring reports with analytics
Funding, human resources, materials, partnerships, technology
Verify information, create and disseminate content, monitor and engage
Information verification
Infodemic management
Indicators
Number of materials produced, events organized, campaigns launched, sessions held, participants reached, reports
Increased awareness, enhanced engagement, improved communication, strengthened support
Event records, campaign reports, attendance records, monitoring reports
Brochures printed, events held (including launch), campaigns, sessions, monitoring reports
Funding, resources, materials, partnerships
Develop materials, organize events, launch campaigns, conduct sessions, monitor and evaluate
Develop a social mobilization and community engagement guide
Social mobilization
Groups and leaders identified, meetings held, leaders trained, events organized, advocacy activities done, feedback collected
Enhanced engagement, improved communication, strengthened support, increased advocacy impact
Identification reports, meeting minutes, training records, event records, monitoring reports
Groups and leaders identified, planning meetings, training sessions, collaborative events, monitoring reports
Funding, resources, materials, partnerships
Identify groups and leaders, conduct outreach, train leaders, foster collaboration, monitor and evaluate
Support affected counties to identify and engage community social groups, influencers and leadership, including religious and cultural leaders, to advocate and support
Needs assessment report, materials developed (fact sheets, posters), packages distributed, training sessions held, feedback collected
Improved knowledge, effective communication, increased engagement, enhanced capacity
Needs assessment report, production logs, distribution records, training records, feedback forms
Needs assessment report, educational materials (fact sheets, posters), training sessions, feedback reports
Funding, resources, materials, partnerships
Conduct needs assessment, develop content, design package, train promoters, distribute package, monitor and evaluate
Develop community mpox package for community health promoters
Needs assessment report, materials developed (fact sheets, posters), packages distributed, training sessions held, feedback collected
Improved knowledge, effective communication, increased engagement, enhanced capacity
Needs assessment report, production logs, distribution records, training records, feedback forms
Needs assessment report, educational materials (fact sheets, posters), training sessions, feedback reports
Funding, resources, materials, partnerships
Conduct needs assessment, develop content, design package, train promoters, distribute package, monitor and evaluate
Support affected counties to sensitize community health promoters
Outcome
Needs assessment report, materials developed (fact sheets, posters), packages distributed, training sessions held, feedback collected
Improved knowledge, effective communication, increased engagement, enhanced capacity
Needs assessment report, production logs, distribution records, training records, feedback forms
Needs assessment report, educational materials (fact sheets, posters), training sessions, feedback reports
Process Input
Funding, resources, materials, partnerships
Conduct needs assessment, develop content, design package, train promoters, distribute package, monitor and evaluate
Support community health promoters in affected counties to raise awareness on mpox and facilitate the uptake of mpox prevention and control services through house-to-house interpersonal communication within their catchment areas
Social mobilization (cont.)
Plans developed, materials prepared, sessions held, issues identified, solutions proposed
Enhanced communication, addressed issues, increased engagement, improved service delivery
Planning documents, material inventory, session records, issue logs, action plans, monitoring reports
Dialogue session plans, facilitation materials, sessions conducted, issues identified, solutions proposed, action plans
Funding, resources, materials, partnerships
Plan and prepare, engage community, facilitate sessions, identify solutions, implement and follow up, monitor and evaluate
Support community dialogue with health service providers and community health promoters to identify issues and challenges and the means to overcome them through community-led sessions
Needs report completed, materials developed, materials reviewed, training sessions held, participants trained
Effective implementation, informed practices
Developed training materials, successful training, number trained
Needs assessment report, training materials (manuals, training guide and presentations), materials reviewed, training sessions, evaluation reports
Funding, resources, materials, partnerships
Assess needs, plan for training sessions, develop content design and produce, review and validate, deliver training, monitor and evaluate
Develop mpox RCCE training materials for health-care workers and community health promoters
Capacity- building
Outcome
Needs report completed, materials developed, materials reviewed, training sessions held, participants trained
Effective implementation, informed practices
Training materials developed, successful training, number trained
Output
Input
Needs assessment report, training materials (manuals, training guide and presentations), materials reviewed, training sessions, evaluation reports
Funding, human resources, materials, partnerships
Assess needs, plan for training sessions, develop content design and produce, review and validate, deliver training, monitor and evaluate
Build capacity of health-care workers on the mpox RCCE module during integrated mpox prevention and management training
Capacity- building (cont.)
Needs report completed, materials developed, materials reviewed, training sessions held, participants trained
Effective implementation, informed practices
Developed training materials, successful training, number trained
Needs assessment report, training materials (manuals, training guide and presentations), materials reviewed, training sessions, evaluation reports
Funding, human resources, materials, partnerships
Assess needs, plan for training sessions, develop content, design and produce, review and validate, deliver training, monitor and evaluate
In a cascaded fashion, train county and subcounty health promotion officers, community health promoters and social mobilizers, including on how to identify and where to refer potential cases who need medical attention
Plan completed, tools designed, data collected, report completed, strategies developed, reports produced
Gaps identified, high-risk areas prioritized, informed strategies, improved response
Plan documents, tool records, data collection logs, analysis report, strategic plan, monitoring reports
Assessment plan and tools designed, data collected (responses), analysis report, strategic plan, monitoring reports
Identify funding, tools and scope, resources, materials, partnerships, technology
Plan and prepare, collect data, analyse data, report findings, develop strategies, monitor and evaluate
Conduct socio- behavioural assessments, prioritizing highrisk areas, to identify gaps in mpox knowledge, attitudes and practices to inform response interventions and strategies
Monitoring and evaluation
Indicators of success
Outcome
Means of verification
Plan completed, tools developed, visits conducted, sessions, reports produced, followup actions
Enhanced implementation, increased capacity, effective interventions, strengthened coordination
Plan documents, tool records, visit logs, session records, reports, follow-up records
Output
Input
Supervision and plan tools developed, visits conducted, sessions, reports, follow-up actions
Funding, resources, materials, partnerships, technology
Process
Plan and prepare, conduct visits, provide technical assistance, report findings, follow-up
Support MoH to conduct supervision and offer technical assistance to counties
Monitoring and evaluation (cont.)
Plan completed, stories identified, data collected, stories documented, materials disseminated
Increased awareness, knowledge sharing, enhanced visibility, informed practices
Plan documents, story records, data collection logs, documented stories, review reports, dissemination records
Documentation plan, success stories identified, data collected, interviews, documented stories, review reports, disseminate materials
Funding, tools, resources, materials, partnerships, technology
Plan, identify stories, collect data, document stories, review and approve, disseminate, monitor and evaluate
Document success stories
Tools developed, data collected, complete report, recommendations materials produced
Key lessons learned, enhanced practices, informed stakeholders
Tool records, data collection logs, analysis report, final report, dissemination records
Documentation plan, data collection tools, interviews done, focus group sessions conducted, analysis report, final report, dissemination materials
Funding, tools, resources, materials, partnerships, technology
Plan and prepare, collect data, analyse data, write report, review and validate
Documentation of post-mpox RCCE activities report and lessons learned
Monitoring
The MoH and partners will provide supervision and offer technical assistance to high- and moderate-risk counties based on national and subnational supervision plans and tools developed for the implemented RCCE interventions.
Evaluation
The purpose of the evaluation of the national mpox RCCE plan is to analyse and assess the overall strategy, focused on reducing the spread of the mpox virus. Using the five main criteria of relevance, effectiveness, efficiency, impact and sustainability, the evaluation will gather and analyse information from different sources to enable the effectiveness of the overall RCCE response in influencing key behaviours and practices to be assessed. Using a mixture of methodologies, such as desk reviews, RCCE data review and analysis, focus group discussions and key informant interviews, the evaluation will aim to answer the following questions:
1. What were the main drivers and enablers of change in attitude and behaviour at the community level?
2. What were the implemented RCCE activities and strategies, and were they successful in reaching target audiences?
3. Did RCCE interventions lead to an increase in knowledge and protective practices?
4. What were the main lessons learned and recommendations to strengthen future RCCE interventions?
Planned activities
• Conduct socio-behavioural assessments, prioritizing high-risk areas, to identify gaps in mpox knowledge, attitudes and practices to inform the response interventions and strategies.
• Support the MoH to conduct supervision and offer technical assistance to counties.
• Conduct a desk review of existing documents and secondary data, reports and reviews.
• Conduct interviews and focus group discussions with key stakeholders, MoH staff and implementing partners.
• Conduct interviews with frontline workers, people from selected communities, and media and communication personnel. ocument success stories.
Annex 3: Key mpox messages
Mpox frequently asked questions
1. What is mpox?
Mpox (monkeypox) is a disease caused by viruses that can affect both humans and animals (a viral zoonotic disease) primarily occurring in the tropical rainforest areas of Central and West Africa, which is occasionally transmitted to other regions.
2. What are the signs and symptoms of mpox?
The signs and symptoms include skin rash, fever, sore throat, headache, body aches, back pain, low energy (fatigue) and swollen lymph nodes.
3. How is mpox transmitted?
Mpox is transmitted through close person-to-person contact, for example:
face-to-face (talking or breathing)
skin-to-skin (touching or vaginal/anal)
mouth-to-mouth (kissing)
mouth-to-skin (oral sex or kissing the skin)
espiratory droplets or short-range aerosol transmission from prolonged close contact contact with contaminated materials, including bedding, towels and clothes sexual intercourse.
4. Who is at higher risk of contracting mpox?
Anyone can get mpox. However, those at higher risk of contracting the viral disease include healthcare workers, staff working at screening posts at points of entry, travellers, people nursing an infected person(s), people handling wild animals, children, pregnant women, immunocompromised individuals, people with multiple sexual partners and men who have sex with men.
5. Can mpox be transmitted through contaminated objects?
YES, mpox can be transmitted through direct contact with infected lesions or sores, or through contact with materials used by an infected person (utensils, clothing and bedding, among others), scabs or body fluids, as well as through respiratory droplets during prolonged face-to-face interaction.
6. How can mpox transmission be prevented?
To prevent mpox transmission: avoid close contact with individuals who are infected avoid touching their personal belongings limit your number of sexual partners refrain from contact with wild animals or consuming bushmeat.
7. Do we have an mpox vaccine?
Yes, there is a mpox vaccination.
8. What should I do if I suspect I have mpox?
If you suspect you have mpox, it is crucial to seek immediate medical attention or contact your local authority, including community health promoters. Avoid contact with others to prevent further transmission.
9. What is the risk of mpox during pregnancy?
Pregnant individuals should exercise caution regarding mpox exposure. Contracting the virus during pregnancy poses risks to both the foetus and newborn, including the potential for pregnancy loss, stillbirth and complications for the mother. Close contact with individuals infected with mpox should be avoided.
10. Is mpox infection severe?
While most mpox infections resolve without severe complications, some individuals may experience severe illness. Factors such as immune status can influence the severity of infection. Pregnant women, children and those with underlying health conditions are at a higher risk of severe disease.
For further information, contact the Ministry of Health Hotline at 719 or 0729471414 or 0732353535.
Health-care worker fact sheet
Overview
Mpox (monkeypox) is a viral illness caused by the monkeypox virus, a species of the genus Orthopoxvirus Two different types exist: clade and clade II.
Mpox is commonly reported in certain countries in Central and West Africa BUT in recent times it has spread to areas and countries where it was not common, like East Africa, including Kenya.
Suspected case definition
A person of any age presenting with an unexplained acute rash or one or more acute skin lesions AND
One or more of the following signs or symptoms:
Headache, acute onset of fever (>38.5°C), lymphadenopathy (swollen lymph nodes), myalgia (muscle and body aches), back pain and/or asthenia (profound weakness) AND
History of travel to a country recording confirmed mpox cases or contact with somebody who has been with a person with the above symptoms within the last three weeks or contact with somebody who has been in contact with a person with the above symptoms within the last three weeks.
Probable case definition
A person meeting the definition for a suspected case AND
One or more of the following:
Has an epidemiological link of prolonged exposure in close proximity, including health workers without appropriate personal protective equipment (gloves, gown, eye protection and respirator); direct physical contact with skin or skin lesions, including sexual contact; or contact with contaminated materials such as clothing, bedding or utensils) to a probable or confirmed case of mpox in the 21 days before symptom onset
Has had high-risk sexual exposure in the last 21 days
Has detectable levels of anti- Orthopoxvirus (anti-OPXV) IgM antibody b (during a period of 4–56 days after rash onset); or a four-fold rise in IgG antibody titre based on acute (up to days 5–7) and convalescent (day 21 onwards) samples; in the absence of a recent smallpox/mpox vaccination or other known exposure to OPXV
Has a positive test result for orthopoxviral infection (e.g., OPXV-specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR) without mpox-virus-specific PCR or sequencing) AND
History of travel to a country recording confirmed mpox cases or contact with somebody who has been with a person with the above symptoms within the last three weeks
Community lay case definition
Any person with hotness of the body, no response to treatment and a rash, and who has travelled from a country reporting mpox cases.
Common symptoms of mpox are:
• skin rash or mucosal lesions, which can last 2–4 weeks
• ever
• headache
• muscle aches
• back pain
• atigue swollen lymph nodes.
Mpox can be transmitted from:
• persons, through touch, kissing or sex
• animals, when hunting, skinning or cooking them
• materials, such as contaminated sheets, clothes or needles pregnant persons, who may pass the virus on to their unborn baby.
Mpox laboratory confirmation and diagnosis
Detection of viral DNA by PCR is the preferred laboratory test for mpox. The best diagnostic specimens are collected directly from the rash – skin, fluid or crusts – collected by vigorous swabbing. In the absence of skin lesions, testing can be done on oropharyngeal, anal or rectal swabs. Testing blood is not recommended. Antibody detection methods may not be useful as they do not distinguish between the different virus species in the Orthopoxvirus genus.
Mpox treatment and management
• Currently there is no treatment approved specifically for mpox virus. However, supportive care isprovided.
Antiviral medication (tecovirimat) is only used with severe symptoms, after clinician evaluation.
NOTE:
• Most people with mpox will recover within 2–4 weeks. People who have mpox should be cared for away from other people to avoid spreading the infection.
Mpox prevention
Mpox infection can be prevented by avoiding close contact with infected individuals, touching personal items of infected people, multiple sexual partners, contact with wild animals and eating their products (such as the meat of squirrels, rats, mice and monkeys).
Who is at risk of acquiring mpox?
Anyone can get mpox. Those at higher risk include health-care workers, staff working at points of entry, travellers, a person nursing an infected person, people handling wild animals, children, pregnant women, immunocompromised individuals, people with multiple sexual partners and men who have sex with men.
Self-care and prevention
Things to do to help the symptoms and prevent infecting others: Do
• stay home and in your own room if possible
• wash hands often with soap and water or hand sanitizer, especially before or after touching sores
• wear a mask and cover lesions when around other people until your rash heals
• keep skin dry and uncovered (unless in a room with someone else)
• avoid touching items in shared spaces and disinfect shared spaces frequently
• use saltwater rinses for sores in the mouth
• take sitz baths or warm baths with baking soda or Epsom salts for body sores take over-the-counter medications for pain like paracetamol (acetaminophen) or ibuprofen.
Don’t
• pop blisters or scratch sores, which can slow healing, spread the rash to other parts of the body and cause sores to become infected shave areas with sores until the scabs have healed and you have new skin underneath (this can spread the rash to other parts of the body).
Mpox SMSes
1. Mpox alert: Look out for symptoms like skin rash, fever, headache and body aches. Seek urgent medical care if you experience these or call 719 or 0729471414 or 0732353535 for assistance.
2. Prevent mpox: Avoid close contact with infected people. Wash hands often. Don’t share personal items. Wear protection if caring for patients. Call 719 or 0729471414 or 0732353535 for assistance.
3. Travelling? Check health advisories for your destination. Avoid areas with mpox outbreaks. Stay informed about local updates. Call 719 or 0729471414 or 0732353535 for assistance.
4. Mpox case confirmed in Taita Taveta. Stay vigilant, follow guidelines. Seek medical help if symptoms appear. Early detection is key. Call 719 or 0729471414 or 0732353535 for assistance.
5. If exposed to mpox: Monitor health for 21 days. Watch for rash, fever and body aches. Avoid close contact with others. Seek medical help if symptomatic or call 719 or 0729471414 or 0732353535 forassistance.
6. At-risk groups for mpox: Health-care workers, close contacts of patients and those with multiple sexual partners. Stay informed. Call 719 or 0729471414 or 0732353535 for more info.
7. Mpox can be severe for pregnant women, children and immunocompromised individuals. Seek immediate care if symptoms appear. Call 719 or 0729471414 or 0732353535 for more info.
8. Mpox symptoms last 24 weeks. If infected, isolate immediately and contact health-care providers. Call 719 or 0729471414 or 0732353535 for assistance.
9. Anyone can get mpox. Let’s stop its spread together. Share accurate info and support those affected. Your actions matter! Call 719 or 0729471414 or 0732353535 for more info.
10. Mpox spreads through close contact, not just sexually. Always practise good hygiene and avoid sharing personal items. Call 719 or 0729471414 or 0732353535 for more info.
TV/radio spot on mpox (30 seconds)
Announcer: message from the Ministry of Health concerning mpox (previously monkeypox) Mpox has been detected in Kenya. Be alert for symptoms like skin rash, fever and body aches. Prevent spread by avoiding close contact with infected people and practising good hygiene.
If you have symptoms, seek medical care immediately. For information, call 719 or 0729471414 or 0732353535
Stay informed, stay safe Kenya!
Radio play on mpox
Ambient sound of busy border crossing
Border officer: Next, please! Welcome to Kenya. May see your travel documents?
Traveller: Here you go, officer.
Border officer: Thank you. Before I process your entry, I need to ask you a few health-related questions. Are you aware of the recent mpox outbreak?
Traveller: Mpox? I’ve heard something about it, but I’m not sure of the details.
Border officer: No problem, I’ll explain. Dr. Muli from our health desk will assist us. Doctor?
Dr. Muli: Hello there. Mpox is a viral infection that’s been detected in several countries, including ours. We’re taking precautions at all entry points.
Traveller: see. What should know about it?
Dr. Muli: The main symptoms are skin rash, fever and body aches. Have you experienced any of these recently?
Traveller: No, haven’t.
Dr. Muli: Good. If you do develop these symptoms within the next 21 days, please seek medical attention immediately and inform them of your recent travel.
Traveller: Understood. How can protect myself?
Dr. Muli: Avoid close contact with anyone showing symptoms, practise good hygiene by washing your hands frequently and don’t share personal items like towels or clothing.
Border officer: We’re also providing this information leaflet. You can call 719 or 0729471414 or 0732353535 if you have any concerns or visit the Ministry of Health website for more information.
Traveller: Thank you both. I’ll be sure to stay vigilant.
Dr. Muli: That’s great. Remember, early detection is key. Enjoy your stay in Kenya and stay safe!
Border officer: Your entry has been processed. Welcome to Kenya!
Ambient sound fades
IVR messages (719)
Welcome to the Ministry of Health helpline. Your health safety is our priority.
Did you know you can get health messages on disease prevention and referral of health emergencies at your nearest health-care facilities?
To continue in English, press 1; to continue in Swahili, press
Theme Key messages Channels
What is mpox?
What are the signs and symptoms of mpox?
How is mpox spread?
Mpox (monkeypox) is a viral zoonotic disease (disease that can affect both humans and animals) primarily occurring in the tropical rainforest areas of Central and West Africa, which is occasionally transmitted to other regions.
Symptoms include skin rash, fever, sore throat, headache, body aches, back pain, low energy (fatigue) and swollen lymph nodes.
Mpox is transmitted through close person-to-person contact, such as:
• face-to-face (talking or breathing)
• skin-to-skin (touching or vaginal or anal contact)
• mouth-to-mouth (kissing)
• mouth-to-skin (oral sex or kissing the skin)
• espiratory droplets or short-range aerosol transmission from prolonged close contact
• contact with contaminated materials
• sexual intercourse.
Who is at higher risk of contracting mpox?
Can mpox be transmitted through contaminated objects?
How can mpox transmission be prevented?
What should I do if I suspect I have mpox?
Anyone can get mpox. Those at higher risk include health-care workers, staff working at points of entry, travellers, a person nursing an infected person, people handling wild animals, children, pregnant women, immunocompromised individuals, people with multiple sexual partners and men who have sex with men.
Yes, mpox can spread through contaminated materials such as bedding, clothing, eating utensils and sex toys.
Mpox infection can be prevented by avoiding close contact with infected individuals, touching personal items of infected people, multiple sexual partners, contact with wild animals and eating their products (such as meat of squirrels, rats, mice and monkeys).
If you suspect you have mpox, seek urgent medical attention at the nearest health-care facility or contact health-care authorities (or a community health promoter) immediately and avoid close contact with others.
Social media (Facebook, X, Instagram, TikTok, Threads), posters
Social media (Facebook, X, Instagram), videos on signs and symptoms
Social media (Facebook, X, Instagram, TikTok, Threads), videos on how mpox is spread
Social media (Facebook, X, Instagram, TikTok, Threads), videos (Who is at risk?)
Social media (Facebook, X, Instagram, TikTok, Threads)
Social media (Facebook, X, Instagram, TikTok, Threads), videos on transmission
Social media (Facebook, X, Instagram, TikTok)
Theme Key messages
What is the risk of mpox during pregnancy?
Is mpox infection severe?
Contracting mpox during pregnancy can be dangerous for the foetus or newborn infant and can lead to loss of the pregnancy, stillbirth or complications for the mother. If you are pregnant, avoid close contact with anyone who has mpox.
Most people recover fully, but some get very sick. Mpox severity depends on individual immunity, but some special groups, when infected, may have severe disease. These groups include pregnant women, children, and the immunosuppressed with underlying/chronic conditions.
Mpox dos and don’ts Do
• stay home and in your own room if possible
• wash hands often with soap and water or hand sanitizer, especially before or after touching sores
• ear a mask and cover lesions when around other people until your rash heals
• keep skin dry and uncovered (unless in a room with someone else)
• avoid touching items in shared spaces and disinfect shared spaces frequently
• use saltwater rinses for sores in the mouth
• take sitz baths or warm baths with baking soda or Epsom salts for body sores
• take over-the-counter medications for pain like paracetamol (acetaminophen) or ibuprofen.
Don’t
• pop blisters or scratch sores, which can slow healing, spread the rash to other parts of the body and cause sores to become infected; or
• shave areas with sores until the scabs have healed and you have new skin underneath (this can spread the rash to other parts of the body).
Channels
Social media (Facebook, X, Instagram, TikTok)
Social media (Facebook, X, Instagram, TikTok)
Social media (Facebook, X, Instagram, TikTok), videos on dos and don’ts
