Lodwar- June 16, 2025 (Public Communications and Media Relations)

The County Government in talks with Africa Institute for Health Development (AIHD) and Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) to ascertain the impact of an upcoming research study on Mycetoma

The team was hosted by the Chief Officer for Preventive and Promotive Health, Janerose Tioko accompanied by about ten directors and program officers from the Department of Health and Sanitation.

According to Dr Alice Sinkeet, the Executive Director at AIHD, the purpose of this study is to determine the burden and prevalence in the county.

“This study will aim to understand the presence of Neglected Tropical Diseases, ways it affects the community and develop interventions to combat Mycetoma through a community-entered approach.

According To CCO Tioko, Turkana has a high burden of most NTDS. “Out of the 21 NTDs, Turkana has 17 presented within the county. Coupled with low levels of literacy, the community perceives some of these diseases from uninformed point of view.

The CCO also explained that the research can help to inform, spread awareness and lobby for resources that could lead to a Center of Excellence.

The discussions focussed on the importance of research and development in uncovering the myths and misconceptions and raise awareness on Mycetoma.

“Without evidence-based research and awareness creation, resources will not be allocated accordingly. We are here to make noise and attract interest to Mycetoma,” said Dr Ruth Nyangacha, CTMBR at KEMRI.

Chief Tioko mentioned that the study will unearth key issues on NTDs that require strengthening. She also affirmed that it would guide policy makers to generate evidence-based decisions in resource mobilisation to combat Mycetoma and other NTDs.

“We need to know how best we can lobby together and build a reference point,” said Olga Mashedi, SRO/Mycology at KEMRI.

The acting Director of Preventive and Promotive, Lucas Edete stated that Mycetoma has been in the County long enough to acquire a local name requiring immediate intervention.

“Malaria was always considered a seasonal disease in the county until research proved Turkana is endemic. This research is very much welcome to provide scientific basis and attract resources towards lasting solutions,” he said.

Daniel Esimit, Deputy Director Preventive and Promotive highlighted that data provides a platform to inform workplans and the County Integrated Development Plan (CIDP).

“There are a lot of NTDs here and it is up to the Scientists to provide data that can inform decision making. If we do not understand a situation then we cannot advocate well for it,” he stated.

According to James Ekamais, the NTDs Focal person at the County Government, NTDs are becoming an issue with the county harboring most of them.

“The healthcare workers need to be sensitized, and capacity built on case definition as well as leverage on Community Health promoters as facilities linkages.”, he said.

After the courtesy call, the team proceeded to meet healthcare workers from Loima sub-county who were undergoing a capacity building training on Mycetoma, Loima is the most affected sub-county.