How recent flooding crisis could fuel neglected topical diseases in Kenya

Motorists and passengers using Nyakweri-Lwanda road which was impassable after waters from the backflow of Lake Victoria flooded it. [Anne Atieno, Standard]

The flooding crisis that rocked the country between March and May, was one of the worst natural disasters to hit the country in recent times.

With more than 315 dead and thousand others displaced, the effects on lives were significant and were projected to have far-reaching effects even into the future by, among other bodies, the Ministry of Health.

The flooding led to disruption of essential services and routine healthcare provision, which threatens to undo gains made in controlling diseases.

As the flood waters rose, so did the challenges in the fight against Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs). The floods cast a shadow over the progress made in combating these debilitating illnesses. In both the short and long term, the repercussions on NTDs control efforts remain profound and demand urgent attention.

In the short term, the primary concern was the worsening of existing health crises. The floodwaters created ideal breeding grounds for mosquitoes which bring about NTDs and related diseases.

Displaced populations also found themselves in overcrowded camps with insufficient facilities which may have further facilitated the spread of diseases.

Climate change increases the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, creating a cycle of vulnerability for communities already burdened by NTDs.

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Rising temperatures expand the geographical range of disease vectors, bringing NTDs to regions previously unaffected, and may also bring about the re-emergence of diseases that were already controlled or almost eliminated.

The effects of climate change on NTDs highlight the need for a transdisciplinary and multifaceted approach to address both environmental and health challenges.

At the height of the flooding, Amref Health Africa constituted a team that worked closely with Community Health Promoters in selected counties to assess the affected populations’ health needs.

Looking beyond the immediate crisis, the long-term implications of the floods on NTDs control are equally concerning. Displacement and loss of livelihoods disrupted the socio-economic fabric of communities, leaving them susceptible to diseases.

Scarce resources diverted towards emergency response efforts may also have deflected attention and funding away from NTDs control programmes, stalling progress in disease control and elimination.

In navigating these floodwaters, experience has shown that collaboration between the National and County governments, non-governmental organizations and donor agencies is paramount. Immediate action is needed to strengthen disease surveillance.

Sheba Odondi is a communications specialist working for Amref Health Africa while Vincent Ouma is a public health specialist and Program Manager of the Neglected Tropical Disease Program at Amref Health Africa