Lodwar – 18 November 2024 (Public Communication and Media Relations)

Turkana County Government, in collaboration with the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (ICIPE), is set to launch a new malaria vector control research project targeting Katilu Ward in Aroo Sub-county. 

 The project, dubbed “Symbio Vector – Controlling Malaria from Within”, is also being implemented in four other counties. Its objective is to explore the use of inherited microbes, Microsporidia-MB, to stop the transmission of malaria-causing parasites carried by female mosquitoes. 

Speaking at the project’s inception meeting, the Chief Officer of Medical Services, Dr Ezekiel Etelej, noted that malaria accounts for 50% of the cases managed in the county’s health facilities. 

 “A study focused on ending malaria is welcome, as it is one of the ten leading diseases in the county,” he said. 

 The Director of Medical Services, Dr. Ekiru Kidalio, explained that Turkana has been classified as both a malaria-endemic as it is reported all year round and a seasonal transmission zone due to the upsurges that occur during the rainy seasons. 

 According to caseload data from the Kenya Health Information System, Turkana’s malaria prevalence stands at 39%, compared to the national average of 6%. Between January and October 2024, the county recorded 437,253 confirmed cases, marking an increase from 350,491 cases reported in the entire year of 2023. 

 Leading the three-member ICIPE team at the meeting, Antony Mutai highlighted that this two-year project is the first vector control study aimed at blocking the transmission of the malaria parasite. 

 He explained that after conducting a community participation exercise, the research team would determine the most effective application of the Microsporidia MB-based control strategy. 

 The County Malaria Coordinator, David Ekai, emphasized that malaria interventions in the county have primarily focused on case management, such as treatment and mass distribution of insecticide-treated nets. 

 “Studies have shown that mosquito behaviour has changed. They now bite outdoors, which means people are at risk of infection even before going to sleep under their nets,” he said. 

 The research will involve community health promoters and members in data collection efforts.