Lodwar – 2nd May, 2024

The Health Department, in collaboration with SightSavers, has devised a plan for the forthcoming Trachoma Mass Drug Administration (MDA) campaign in Turkana West, targeting the unreached areas.

The campaign also aims to prioritise the coordination of cross-border communities; to be part of the upcoming exercise.

During the meeting, the Director for Community Health Services, Dr. Joseph Lolepo, advocated for the involvement of Community Health Promoters as Community Drug Distributors in the drug administration campaign.

The County Ophthalmic Services Coordinator, Samson Lokele, emphasized the necessity of mapping pastoral communities along the border and monitoring their migratory patterns to ensure their participation in MDA.

“We are committed to integrating nomadic communities along the borders in the upcoming MDA to ensure comprehensive coverage and the eventual elimination of Trachoma in Turkana,” he stated.

The County Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTD) Coordinator, Jimmy Loree, highlighted that while the journey towards controlling and eradicating trachoma as an NTD is lengthy, with multi-sectoral coordination, it is not only achievable but also effective.

While County WASH Coordinator, Reuben Kibyegon, stressed the importance of community sensitisation regarding the significance of adopting healthy hygiene practices.

He explained that trachoma cases often stem from inadequate WASH activities in affected areas, making community education vital in combating the preventable disease.