Lodwar – March 12, 2026 (Public Communication and Media Relations)
The County Government, in partnership with Sightsavers, today convened a Mass Drug Administration (MDA) microplanning meeting in Turkana West to review the performance of the 2023 MDA campaign and strengthen preparations for upcoming rounds scheduled for May and September 2026.
The forum brought together County and Sub-County Health Management Teams from Turkana West and Lokichoggio to assess past implementation, identify gaps, and refine strategies aimed at improving coverage of Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs), particularly trachoma.
The meeting also reviewed the MDA microplanning template, documented key lessons, and generated recommendations to strengthen supervision, improve coverage in rural areas, and enhance real-time monitoring of the exercise at ward level as part of ongoing operational research.
Turkana County has historically carried a high burden of trachoma. A baseline survey conducted in 2010 as a single evaluation unit (then three districts) showed Turkana West recording the highest prevalence of active trachoma at 67.6 percent, with trachoma trichiasis (TT) — the advanced stage that can lead to blindness — at 5.5 percent.
In response, the county adopted the Surgery, Antibiotics, Facial hygiene, and Environmental (SAFE) sanitation strategy developed by the World Health Organization (WHO), to control and eliminate trachoma. Under this approach, active trachoma infections are treated with antibiotics while chronic cases, particularly TT, are managed through corrective surgery.
Between 2011 and 2024, the county government implemented over 40 rounds of MDA in different sub-counties. Despite these efforts, trachoma remains persistent in Turkana West.
A Documented Full Geographical Coverage (DFGC) conducted in 2024 also identified 102 unmanaged TT cases in Turkana West and Lokichoggio sub-counties, which were managed.
Speaking during the meeting, Acting County, Coordinator Eye Care Services, Veronicah Etee emphasized that strengthening microplanning and community engagement will be key to addressing coverage gaps.
“The microplanning process helps us identify underserved areas and tailor strategies that ensure every eligible person is reached. By strengthening supervision, community sensitization, and monitoring, we can address the gaps noted in previous MDAs and improve overall impact,” she said.
Data presented during the review showed that the previous MDA exercise recorded shortfalls in reaching some target groups. Coverage reached 65.4 percent of children below six months, 55.6 percent of children below seven years, 87.2 percent of people above seven years, and 71.5 percent of pregnant women.
Health officials noted that mild side effects such as headaches and vomiting discouraged some community members from returning for treatment, underscoring the need for stronger community awareness campaigns.
The upcoming MDA will involve the distribution of Azithromycin tablets for adults, Azithromycin Powder for Oral Suspension for children, and Tetracycline eye ointment, all procured through Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA). In addition to treatment, communities will be sensitized on regular face washing and improved sanitation practices to prevent trachoma transmission.
The county has also made progress in strengthening surgical capacity, with eight WHO-certified TT surgeons currently serving across Turkana and additional health workers trained on the job to manage new cases. TT management services are now available across all 11 sub-counties.
In November 2025, the County Government with support from Sightsavers conducted free trachoma corrective surgeries in Turkana North and Kibish sub-counties. A total of 38 patients in Kibish and 24 in Turkana North underwent successful procedures.
The Director for Preventive and Promotive Health Services, Daniel Esimit, called for inclusive planning to ensure all communities benefit from the upcoming MDA exercise.
“As we prepare for the next MDA rounds, it is important that we strengthen mapping of migratory communities and ensure both host and refugee populations are covered. Clear movement patterns will help our teams reach every household and improve coverage,” he said.
He further urged participants to fully utilize the microplanning platform to provide accurate data and operational details that will support the success of the upcoming campaign.
“This platform should help us correct the mistakes observed during the previous MDA. By providing the required details during microplanning, we can ensure better coordination and work towards achieving 100 percent coverage of the target population,” he added.
The Director noted that drugs for the May 2026 MDA campaign are expected to arrive in mid-April, allowing sufficient time for training and distribution before the exercise begins.
Complementary efforts include WASH activities with partners, hygiene campaigns promoting face washing, cross-border outreach, and the county’s Kimormor One Health program.
The county will also manage new trachoma trichiasis cases locally while preparing for three additional MDA rounds and household registration by Community Health Promoters to improve coverage.
Health teams will continue monitoring surgical outcomes through 3–6 month post-operative follow-up reviews, particularly in Turkana North and Kibish, where DFGC interventions were recently completed.
Present were Sightsavers NTDS’ Programme Manager, Samuel Eshitemi and Esther Andia, Project Officer.
