The government is committed to eradicating Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) by 2030, the Principal Secretary for Public Health and Professional Standards, Ms. Mary Muriuki, has said.
Ms. Muriuki added that in the fight against NTDs, Kenya has accomplished remarkable milestones, among them being certified Guinea worm-free since 2018.
Ms. Muriuki made the remarks in Siaya County while launching the lake region’s community-based mass drug administration (MDA) initiative at KMTC grounds in Siaya town.
The initiative is intended to combat intestinal worms and bilharzia. “In this battle, I would urge each one of us to keep in mind our children, who are particularly vulnerable to contracting bilharzia and intestinal worms due to their exposure to contaminated water and insufficient hygiene practices,” said Ms. Muriuki while addressing community health volunteers at the function.
Globally, 800 million people are at risk of contracting bilharzia, with 254 million already infected. In Kenya, there are 10 million people at risk of bilharzia, while 20 million others risk contracting intestinal worms.
A total of 15 counties—six in the coastal region, four in the western region, and five in the lake region—have been mapped out by the Ministry of Health as in need of urgent intervention in regards to bilharzia and intestinal worms.
According to the data contained in the speech delivered by Ms. Muriuki, in the coastal region, out of 130 wards, 81 and 72 require treatment for intestinal worms and bilharzia, respectively.
On the other hand, 139 and 40 wards out of the 155 wards in the Western region need treatment for intestinal worms and bilharzia, respectively, while the Lake region exhibits similar urgency, with 145 and 98 wards out of the 170 wards requiring treatment for intestinal worms and bilharzia, respectively.
The campaign launched Wednesday is scheduled to take place from August 24th to 27th, 2023, and many stakeholders deem it a big step in the fight against Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs).
By Calvin Otieno
