The National Government has stepped up its response to the Kala azar disease ravaging Wajir County.
Following the outbreak of the disease that has claimed the lives of 25 residents in the last three months, the government yesterday flagged off three mobile laboratories to help in early diagnosis. Over 600 people are reported to have contracted the disease.
Speaking during the flag off Friday, Public Health and Professional Standards Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni said that the laboratories will provide outreach services in the three most affected sub counties, in order to diagnose cases early and oversee treatment in a timely manner.
The PS further said that the government, through the National Treasury, will be releasing funds to aid in combating the disease.
According to reliable sources 106 patients are receiving treatment at various facilities in Wajir and Marsabit Counties with most operations being conducted at Wajir county’s level 4 hospital.
The aid from the national government is coming at a time that Wajir County Government has acknowledged it is overwhelmed by the many cases being reported.
“These mobile laboratories will be instrumental in enhancing early detection as most of the patients were being taken to health facilities when the situation was almost dire”, PS Muthoni said.
Medical personnel have confirmed 617 cases so far, with most patients recovering after treatment.
Some of the containment measures so far undertaken include expanding hospital capacity by setting up a new ward for incoming patients, procuring emergency medical supplies and mass fumigation in affected areas.
Health officials are also warning that the situation could worsen if residents fail to report symptoms early. “The ministry would like to reassure the general public that we are deploying full response measures to combat the situation in order to prevent further rise in cases and suffering from Kalazaar disease”, Muthoni said.
The PS further advised the public to follow the Ministry’s public health advisories and seek medical attention at the nearest health facility at the earliest opportunity if experiencing febrile illness similar to Kala azar, in the most at risk areas.
Early diagnosis and treatment remain key to control the outbreaks. The Disease is endemic in 80 countries around the world. In 2022, Eastern Africa accounted for 73% of global VL cases, half of which occurred in children aged under 15 years.
The County Executive Committee member for health Habiba Ali, had last week admitted to serious challenges that included a shortage of wards to cater for the rising number of patients.
“Most patients are coming with low platelets and if we had sufficient storage in our satellite laboratories, we would be able to save lives “, she said.
According to Ali, the disease’s burden continues to grow with each passing day, forcing the county’s referral hospital to provide extra bed space to cater for the patients’ overflow.
Kala azar is a parasitic disease caused by the Leishmania parasite. Kala-azar is a serious,
neglected tropical disease transmitted by sand-fly bites and primarily affects the North
Eastern, Rift Valley and Eastern.
The leishmania parasite causes the Kala azar and if left untreated, it is fatal in over 95% of cases.
The symptoms of Kala azar include weight loss, prolonged fever, diarrhoea and digestive tract problems, fatigue, anemia, darkening of the skin, swollen lymph nodes and an enlarged spleen and liver.
By Wangari Ndirangu
