Turkana, Kisumu, Migori, Siaya counties top in Malaria prevalence

Turkana, Kisumu Migori and Siaya counties have the highest malaria prevalence.

This was revealed Tuesday during a media briefing breakfast ahead of this year’s World Malaria Day which will be marked in Nyakach, Kisumu County.

The Ministry of Health has also hailed Homabay County for its significant reduction in malaria prevalence rate from 38pc to 3pc.

Although Kenya has made significant progress in the fight against malaria in the last decade, the ministry decries the lack of adequate funding to eradicate the killer disease.

Last year the Ministry noted that financing needs for malaria prevention, control, and elimination are significant, with a resource gap that currently stands at 50pc of the resources required to fully implement the Kenya Malaria Strategic Plan.

The latest malaria indicator survey report indicates that about 4 million Kenyans contract malaria disease while more than 10,000 people die of the disease annually.

Kenya’s commitment to eradicating malaria is evident in its strategic objectives outlined in the Kenya Malaria Strategy (KMS) 2019-2023.

The plan aims to reduce the burden of malaria in the country and contribute to the global goal of eliminating malaria by 2030.

These objectives focus on protecting at-risk populations, managing malaria cases, increasing intervention utilization, and strengthening surveillance.

The Ministry of Health is distributing 18.3 million Long Lasting Insecticidal Nets (LLINs) in 28 targeted counties to ensure households in malaria-risk areas have one net for every two household members.

The strides made through the concerted efforts showcase the power of collaboration among the government, partners, civil society, and communities in delivering strategic interventions.

However, much more emphasis is needed in the face of growing threats, from mutating malaria parasites and insecticide-resistant mosquitoes.