Kachoda, 29 November 2024 (Public Communications and Media Relations)
Turkana County has achieved a significant milestone in its sanitation efforts, with 414 households in seven villages of Kachoda and Lokitaung community units declaring themselves Open Defecation Free (ODF).
This achievement was made possible through the collaborative efforts of the County Health and Sanitation Department and World Relief Kenya.
Mercy Elim, a sanitation committee member from Manalongoria Village, Kachoda, highlighted the positive impact of latrine use on community health. “All 125 households in our village now have latrines, which has significantly improved the health of our residents. We’ve seen a reduction in diarrheal cases, particularly among children,” she said.
David Lokiris, a community health promoter in Manalongoria, echoed these sentiments, noting a significant transformation in hygiene and sanitation practices. “I no longer have to refer children under five for diarrhea treatment. Now, I focus on referrals for Vitamin A supplements, deworming, and immunization,” he said.
Chief Officer Janerose Tioko urged residents to maintain high sanitation and hygiene standards. “As a county government, sanitation and hygiene is a priority. Households, communities, and schools should uphold these standards,” she said.
Purity Nangolol, the nurse in charge of Kachoda Dispensary, confirmed the reduction in diarrheal cases. “In September last year, I recorded 51 cases of diarrhea among children under five. Now, I can go an entire day without treating a single case,” she said.
Oliver Otsimi, World Relief Kenya’s Country Director, acknowledged the community’s commitment to sanitation and hygiene practices. He also announced plans to support a mobile clinic linked to a healthcare facility to provide comprehensive services during outreach activities.
Assistant Director of Public Health, Lucas Edete, emphasized the importance of latrine use and handwashing. He encouraged men to abandon traditional practices that discourage sharing latrines with their wives.
Peter Ekaale, a community elder and CHP from Locheredome Village, expressed gratitude to World Relief Kenya, the Turkana County Government, and other stakeholders for their support.
The ODF declaration event was attended by Lokitaung Division Assistant County Commissioner Peter Wafula, Sub-county Administrator Brenda Kokoi, and representatives from partner organizations and the Turkana North Sub-county Health Management Team.
