Wajir battles Kala-azar: Over 600 infected as death toll reaches 25

Public health and professional standards PS Mary Muthoni joins ministry officials and executive committee members from Wajir county as she flags off three mobile laboratories  ro help in easing kala-azar testing in Eldas and Wajir West.  [Lillian Mutavi/Standard]

The National Government has intensified its response to the Kala-azar outbreak in Wajir County, where the death toll has risen to 25 and infections have surpassed 600, with children being the most affected.

According to latest reports, 106 patients are currently receiving treatment at various health facilities in the county, with Wajir Level 4 Hospital struggling to cope with the crisis. The county government has admitted being overwhelmed by the rising cases, citing a shortage of wards to accommodate patients.

On Friday, Public Health and Professional Standards PS Mary Muthoni flagged off mobile laboratories to Wajir to facilitate early diagnosis. She confirmed that the National Treasury has begun releasing emergency funds to support containment efforts, as the outbreak has persisted since September 2024.

The mobile laboratories are expected to enhance early detection, a key intervention since many patients have been arriving at health facilities in critical condition.

Wajir County Executive Committee Member for Health, Habiba Ali, previously acknowledged serious resource constraints, including a lack of hospital space to manage the escalating crisis.

PS Muthoni reaffirmed the government’s commitment to containing the outbreak and preventing its spread to other vulnerable regions, including parts of the Rift Valley.