CS warns 25m Kenyans at risk of tropical diseases

Health Cabinet Ministry Debora Barasa during the launch of drug administration campaign at Malava Municipality grounds in Kakamega county on December 13, 2024. [Benjamin Sakwa,Standard]

At least 25 million Kenyans are at risk of infection from neglected tropical diseases, Health Cabinet Secretary Deborah Barasa has said.

On Friday, the Ministry of Health, county governments, and their partners launched a drug administration campaign in Kakamega to combat tropical diseases such as bilharzia and intestinal worms.

‘‘As a country, we face a significant burden of neglected tropical diseases in Kenya, including Bilharzia and Trachoma, with more than 25 million Kenyans at risk of infection. These diseases undermine individuals’ health and the potential of communities,” said Dr Barasa.

She spoke on Friday during the launch of the drug administration campaign, supported by Amref Health Africa in Kenya, the World Health Organisation, and the End Fund. Kenya aims to eliminate tropical diseases by 2030.

Amref Health Africa in Kenya Country Director Ndirangu Wanjuki said that collaboration would be key to eliminating tropical diseases.

“We are keen on working with the End Fund organisation to eliminate neglected tropical diseases such as bilharzia, malaria, and tuberculosis. We are working closely with Community Health Promoters (CHPs) to help the people of Kenya understand the benefits of Social Health Authority (SHA). Amref will support the CHPs in strengthening electronic community health information systems and improving performance management systems, including training of CHPs,” said Dr Wanjuki.

He added that primary health care networks were instrumental in achieving universal health care.

“We have 210 primary health care networks out of a planned 315, and Amref has been instrumental in establishing almost 30 per cent of these networks. What is important for the country is to invest in these networks.’’