CS Nakhumicha is expected to face tough questions during her appearance in the House, with Embakasi East MP Babu Owino Read more
Health CS Susan Nakhumicha Wafula is currently gracing World Malaria Day, which is being held in Awasi, Kisumu County. Turkana, Kisumu, Migori, and Siaya counties have the highest malaria prevalence in Kenya.
During a media briefing breakfast ahead of this year’s World Malaria Day, it was revealed that the government, in conjunction with partners, has rolled out a campaign to combat malaria and ensure that school-going children are protected and treated against the disease. PMI Kinga Malaria is currently in Migori carrying out IRS exercises to curb malaria in 2024.
Breakthrough ACTION has worked with the Government of Kenya to address malaria, and a non-governmental organization called Maisha Meds has partnered with the Ministry of Education to champion the campaign, which will be piloted in five schools in Kisumu County.
In Kenya, where malaria is endemic, efforts have been intensified to increase people’s access to insecticide-treated mosquito nets and other prevention measures. The most affected counties include Kisumu, Siaya, Busia, Migori, Kisii, Nyamira, Lamu, Kilifi, Homabay, Kwale, Mombasa, and Vihiga.
The Principal Secretary of the State Department for Public Health and Professional Standards, Ms. Mary M. Muriuki, highlighted a decrease in malaria prevalence from 11% in 2010 to 6% in 2020. She emphasized the importance of initiatives such as the mass net campaign, which aims to distribute over 15 million nets by June 2024.
Despite progress, there is a funding gap in malaria control, with a shortage of 3.6 million nets. The Ministry of Health has pledged to work with partners to fill this gap and implement strategies for malaria control and elimination.
Although Kenya has made progress in the fight against malaria, the ministry notes a lack of adequate funding to eradicate the disease. The financing needs for malaria prevention, control, and elimination are significant, with a resource gap of 50% of the resources required to fully implement the Kenya Malaria Strategic Plan.
The National Malaria Control Programme reports a reduction in disease incidence and mortality rates in recent years. The Kenya Malaria Strategy 2019-2023 aims to reduce the burden of malaria in the country and contribute to the global goal of eliminating malaria by 2030.
The Ministry of Health is distributing Long Lasting Insecticidal Nets in targeted counties to ensure households in malaria-risk areas have adequate protection. Collaboration among the government, partners, civil society, and communities has been instrumental in delivering strategic interventions.
Dr. David Khaoya, Country Director of PROPEL Kenya, emphasizes the continued threat of malaria in Kenya and the need for rapid scale-up of funding and interventions to prevent more deaths. CS Nakhumicha is also expected to address the issue of the doctor’s strike during the World Malaria Day event.
