25 Million Kenyans at Risk of Neglected Tropical Diseases, Amref Warns
The organization, in partnership with the Global Fund, has also trained nearly 20,000 community health promoters to diagnose and treat malaria.
KAKAMEGA, Kenya— A new Amref Health Africa report warns that 25 million Kenyans face potential infection from neglected tropical diseases without immediate preventive measures, writes Wakhungu Andanje.
Dr. Ndirangu Wanjuki, country director of Amref Health Africa in Kenya, highlighted the risks during a mass drug administration event in Malava.
The diseases of concern include intestinal worms, bilharzia, elephantiasis, kala-azar, and trachoma.
More than 5 million Kenyans have already received preventive medications at county and national levels.
Wanjuki emphasized that Kenya can eliminate these diseases by 2030 through robust primary healthcare policies.
The End Fund, supported by Amref, is providing preventive medicines and focusing on clean water, hygiene, and sanitation initiatives.
The organization, in partnership with the Global Fund, has also trained nearly 20,000 community health promoters to diagnose and treat malaria.
"For the last five years, Amref through the Global Fund has worked with both the county and national governments to train almost 20,000 community health promoters on how to test for malaria using rapid diagnostic kits at the home level," Wanjuki said.
Countrywide, 16 million Kenyans have registered with the Social Health Authority (SHA). Kakamega County has particularly distinguished itself, escalating SHA registration from less than 5% in October to 14-15% in December.
Health Cabinet Secretary Dr. Deborah Mulongo praised developing partners for supporting healthcare access.
Kakamega County Health Minister Peninah Mukabane reported 4,250 community health promoters and 425 community units, with 271,000 households already registered for SHA.
The initiative aims to strengthen primary healthcare networks, with 210 out of 315 targeted community health primary care networks already constituted.
Wanjuki stressed Amref's commitment to universal health coverage, stating, "Our core mandate is to offer a lasting health change to the common mwananchi that will transform the health of communities."
The organisation continues to support health initiatives through donors including the Global Fund and USAID, focusing on expanding healthcare access and improving community health systems.