NAIROBI: According to a report by the World Health Organisation (WHO), only 36 sub-Saharan African countries are prone to tsetse fly attacks. These insects cause sleeping sickness, a disease that infects both people and animals.
Locations that are prone to tsetse flies include those where fishing and livestock keeping are the main economic activities. By implication, these areas are usually in remote villages, which makes it difficult for authorities to monitor spread of the flies.
In 2010, the world health body reported there were 9,878 cases of sleeping sickness, which represented the lowest infection rate in more than half a century.
Efforts by governments in the affected countries bore fruit in 2012 when notable reduction in infections was recorded. Only 7,216 cases were confirmed then, but more needs to be done to clear the continent of this menace.
In Africa, Democratic Republic of Congo is said to bear the brunt of tsetse flies infestation. Nevertheless, in Kenya, residents of Central Sakwa in Siaya County, have reported an increase in the population of tsetse flies.
They are said to be living in fear of contracting sleeping sickness, following the resurgence of tsetse flies in their locality.
A concentration of the big biting flies has been noted along the beaches of Liunda, Wagusu and Uyawi besides other small beach areas in Siaya County.
The treatment of trypanosiamisis, the scientific name for sleeping sickness is complex and prolonged, which calls for concerted government efforts to control the spread.
The re-emergence of tsetse flies in Sakwa was aided by slackening down of previous efforts against the menace. Before, bushes along the beaches where the flies were likely to breed were sprayed.
The cost of buying drugs to control tsetse fly spread is much lower than the cost of treatment and drop in productivity of affected areas. It is time for the government to intervene and ensure the menace is dealt with conclusively.
This is the only way to help people in the affected areas and guarantee safety to enable them continue their economic activities.
The Standard Group Plc is a
multi-media organization with investments in media platforms spanning newspaper
print operations, television, radio broadcasting, digital and online services. The
Standard Group is recognized as a leading multi-media house in Kenya with a key
influence in matters of national and international interest.
join