MoH steps in as Kala-azar disease kills 25 in Wajir

Health PS Mary Muthoni during the launch of emergency response [PHOTO: MARY MUTHONI/X]

The Ministry of Health has stepped up its response to the Kala-azar disease ravaging the North Eastern county of Wajir.

Data from the ministry indicates the death toll from the disease has hit 25, with infections now rising to over 600, most affected being children.

Fresh data suggests that 106 people are receiving treatment at various facilities in Wajir county, the most affected being the county’s level 4 hospital where most of the operations have been moved.

Public Health and Professional Standards PS Mary Muthoni on Friday said the government, through the National Treasury is releasing funds to aid in combating the disease.

Muthoni was speaking Friday morning when she flagged off mobile laboratories to the North-Eastern County to help in early diagnosis. 

“To respond to the outbreak and provide technical support, we already have a number of medical personnel who are in Wajir and Marsabit to support the teams on the ground. Commodities for laboratory, diagnosis and medicine are also being provided,” she stated.

“We have come together with development partners who have been able to assist us with drugs and other commodities. The National Treasury has equally released some funding that will assist us to add commodities that are going to these counties.”

The aid from the national government comes at a time when Wajir county government acknowledged that it is overwhelmed by the many cases being reported.

The mobile laboratories will be instrumental in enhancing early detection, as most of the patients were being taken to health facilities when the situation was almost dire.

Also, the County Executive Committee Member for Health Habiba Ali, had last week admitted to serious challenges that included a shortage of wards to cater for the rising numbers and limited test kits.

PS Muthoni said the government was keen to have the outbreak dealt with to arrest a spread to other regions that are prone, such as Rift Valley

She called for more Kenyans to register under the Social Health Authority (SHA) to ensure seamless treatment takes place without delays.