Lodwar, April 30, 2024 (Public Communications and Media Relations)

The County Department of Health and Sanitation, in collaboration with Sight Savers, reached 186,594 adults and children with Mass Drug Administration (MDA) for Trachoma, conducted last December, in Turkana West Sub- County.

According to a recently conducted Trachoma Impact Survey, the Sub-County had a score of 11.8%, indicating persistent trachoma cases in the area.

While addressing the data review meeting of the MDA exercise, Director of Medical Services, Dr Ekiru Kidalio outlined the department’s commitment to accelerating the reduction of the trachoma burden through the control, elimination, and eradication of targeted Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs).

“The County Government’s efforts towards Trachoma eradication will contribute to poverty alleviation, increased productivity, and improved quality of life for the affected people,” he said.

The County Ophthalmic Services Coordinator, Samson Lokele, indicated using high-impact, quick-results interventions such as intensified MDAs, trachoma surgeries, and promotion of eye-care services as key components toward eliminating trachoma in the county.

“The current Trachoma prevalence rate is Trachoma Follicles at 5% and Trachoma Trichiasis at 0.2%, with the County Government setting up continuous efforts to intensify MDA in the next campaign,” he said.

The World Health Organization (WHO) threshold for Trachoma Follicles should be below 5.5% for children aged one to nine years, while trichiasis is meant to be below 0.2%.

The County Neglected Tropical Diseases Coordinator, Jimmy Loree, articulated that the County Government will integrate the second round of MDA, as well as intensify surveillance on other NTDs at cross-border and migratory communities.