Lodwar, December 9, 2024 (Public Communications and Media Relations)

A six-year initiative to eliminate kala-azar, also known as visceral leishmaniasis, by 2030 is set to launch in 11 arid and semi-arid counties (ASALs), including Turkana County.

The project, implemented by Amref Health Africa in collaboration with the National Division of Vector-Borne and Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs), aims to reduce Kenya’s annual average of 1,500 kala-azar cases, with Turkana County contributing 350 of these cases.

In its initial year, the project will focus on updating guidelines, supporting active case-finding, and training healthcare workers on the latest kala-azar management protocols.

Dr. Kidalio Ekiru, Director of Medical Services, emphasized the importance of addressing challenges like poor health-seeking behavior and inadequate health education. “The project should prioritize early diagnosis, nutritional support, and access to drugs to manage co-morbidities,” he said.

James Ekamais, County NTDs Coordinator, highlighted malnutrition among kala-azar patients as a significant obstacle in combating the disease.

Daniel Mwiti from the National Division of NTDs outlined the goal of reducing disease prevalence to less than one case per 10,000 people. The division will engage KEMSA to ensure a consistent supply of drugs and reagents, addressing previous challenges caused by intermittent donations.

The project will also provide nutritional supplements and laboratory reagents to support patients and healthcare facilities. Additionally, a new NTD module has been integrated into the eCHIS system, enabling Community Health Promoters (CHPs) to raise awareness about kala-azar and other neglected tropical diseases.