Low numbers in Baringo County schools as malaria bites

When this girl heard that the KDF and Baringo County medical officers will be passing around to provide medical services ,she carried her ailing brother with her to receive medication using a goat skin made baby carrier. Over 15 people, mostly childreen have succumbed due to the malaria outbreak in the area  .Photo:Kipsang Joseph/Standard

Schools continue to bear the brunt of the malaria outbreak as most pupils skip classes in Baringo County despite the busy schedule on the education calendar.

At Chesakam Primary School on Kapedo road in Tiaty, the headteacher, Patrick Mudaya, says at least 20 pupils had not reported to school this week.

Mr Mudaya told The Standard that some students had contracted the disease that has killed at least 20 people so far.

“Children are suffering from malaria. The outbreak has also affected students in our school and they are forced to stay at home when the cases worsen,” he said.

According to the headteacher, pupils from the lower classes are the most affected. “In Class Two, eight pupils are sick, three in Class Three, and another three are in Class Four,” he said.

At Nakoko Primary School, pupils who are feeling unwell are allowed to rest under a tree while others continued with their studies.

“Currently only three pupils are feeling unwell and are still in school. Others who had severe pain were sent home to seek medical help,” said Fred Kamurkutwo, the school's headteacher.

SEVERE HEADACHE

The children complained of severe headache and fever, he said.

“Those are signs of malaria. The disease has affected learning in our school and in most schools around Tiaty,” he added.

With the nearest health centre nine kilometres away from Chesakam, Mudaya has has sought other ways to help the young learners.

He gives painkillers to the children who complain of severe headache.

MEDICAL ATTENDANTS

“I went to Chemolingot sub-county hospital and got Panadol tablets, which I give to the pupils when they complain of headache. The painkillers help to relieve their pain,” he said.

Although there is medicine in the dispensary, there are no medical attendants to administer it, leaving patients helpless.

“When their condition gets worse we send the children home and advise their parents to take them to Chemolingot, which is more than 15km away,” said Mr Kamurkutwo.