Lodwar- June 15, 2025 (Public Communications and Media Relations)

The Department of Health and Sanitation convened a meeting with partners to deliberate on the way forward to fast-track interventions on the recent Cholera outbreak in Turkana West, emerging Kala-Azar outbreak in Turkana East, and Measles outbreak in Loima and Aroo sub-counties.

As of June 14, 2025, there has been a total of 47 cases of Measles primarily in Lobei/Kotaruk, Turkwel, Katilu, and Lobokat Wards, mostly children. On the other hand, a total of 85 cases of Cholera with two fatalities have been confirmed primarily in Kalobeyei.

The members deliberated largely on the importance of strengthening partnerships and leveraging on joint coordinated efforts to curb the emerging outbreaks faster. The ongoing County Government’s intervention efforts and existing gaps where partners can support were also discussed.

The forum chaired by the County Executive Committee Member, Dr Epem Esekon and flagged by the two Chief Officers Dr Gilchrist Lokoel (Medical Services) and Janerose Tioko (Preventive and Promotive).

According to CECM Epem, there is an urgent need for solidarity in addressing emergencies promptly.

“We cannot allow the Cholera outbreak to go beyond the affected locations in Turkana West as this will present a very dangerous situation in the whole County,” CECM Epem stated.

The CECM also cautioned the attendees that Turkana County is placed in a very unique geographic location presenting unique challenges such as cross-border disease outbreaks and insecurities among others.

CCO Tioko echoed the Governor’s agenda on partnership and collaboration, calling on partners to support the interventions to curb the outbreaks sooner before they affect a bigger population.

“Teamwork is an icon of success. We have herby invited our partners whom we work with together to improve the quality of health for our people,” she explained.

According to Dr Lokoel, the County facing a triple threat of outbreaks calls for immediate action.

“I am coming to you from a point of urgency. Never before have we faced a triple threat. We need to intensify interventions,” he reiterated.

CCO Lokoel also highlighted the need to heighten interventions along the border entry points as two of these outbreaks can be traced from neighboring counties and countries.

“There is a linkage to our neighbors that warns of an incoming threat, and we know we cannot win over these threats alone. Together we can turn the tide, protect our community and keep Turkana safe,” he expounded.

Hon Bethwel Kobong’in, Chair Health Committee in the County Assembly was in attendance to get up-to-speed about the updates. He acknowledged the critical role of religious institutions and partners in supporting health initiatives.

“With the supplementary budget process already concluded, restructuring funds to address outbreaks would be challenging. Therefore, partners could really help in filling the gaps,” he said.

Hon Kobong’in also shared that the County Government cannot handle all emergencies without the partner’s support.

“An emergency cannot wait until the resources are found. A single case of these outbreaks is enough to cause damage. We must work together to protect lives,” he added.

Some of the recommended interventions include; case management, Social and Behavior Change Communication (SBCC) through radio spots and community sensitization, joint coordination, and heightened surveillance.

Having listened to the ongoing County Government’s efforts and existing gaps, the partners agreed to circle back with specific areas of support such as fuel, strengthening, capacity building Community Health Promoters (CHPs) for effective case management, and support cold chain systems among others.

“In order to prevent further spread of these diseases to the unaffected areas, Kenya Red Cross Society will be supporting community engagement and risk communication, health awareness campaigns, and surveillance and reporting,” said Rukia Abubakar, KRCS Turkana Coordinator.

The Diocese of Lodwar pledged to support water analysis in Kakuma and Measles Screening. Drop Access Limited pledged to strengthen cold chain systems through providing 20 facilities with Vaccine boxes and 20 other facilities with IoT enabled software.

This forum brought together twenty directors, deputy directors and program leads from the Department of Health and Sanitation.

The partners present included Jamal Abdi (International Rescue Committee), Dr Simon Mukabwa (Diocese of Lodwar), Joseph Ekuam (USAID Imarisha Jamii), John Etiir (Drop Access Limited), and Caroline Imana (APIR Turkana).