Turkana County has been officially categorized as a high malaria burden region in Kenya, with a malaria prevalence rate of 39 percent, significantly higher than the national average of 6 percent. This categorization, as part of the 2023-2027 Kenya Malaria Strategy, is a result of the county’s unique factors that contribute to the spread and persistence of malaria. These factors include the mobility of pastoralist communities along international borders with Uganda, South Sudan, and Ethiopia, the presence of refugee camps in Kakuma and Kalobeyei, and rapid urbanization, all of which present challenges for malaria control efforts.
One of the major strategies being employed to tackle malaria in Turkana is Seasonal Malaria Chemoprevention (SMC), which was piloted in Turkana Central Sub-county in collaboration with Catholic Relief Services. This initiative targets children aged 3 to 59 months, a group that is highly vulnerable to the disease. The first phase of the pilot, conducted from June to October 2024, showed promising results, with a 70 percent reduction in malaria infections among children. Based on the success of this pilot, another round of SMC will be conducted from June to October 2025, which will aim to continue this positive trend and further reduce the burden of malaria in the region.
In addition to SMC, Turkana County has benefited from several national initiatives aimed at controlling malaria. These include the distribution of Long-Lasting Insecticidal Nets (LLINs), which reached over 160,000 households in the county as part of the September 2024 campaign targeting 22 high-burden counties. The nets are a critical tool in reducing malaria transmission, as they protect individuals from being bitten by infected mosquitoes during the night.
Another critical intervention in Turkana is the surveillance and monitoring of malaria cases. The National Malaria Control Program, in collaboration with the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), conducts routine surveillance every three months to track the progress of malaria control efforts and identify any emerging challenges. In addition, KEMRI Kisumu is set to introduce vector studies that will investigate the different species of mosquitoes present in the region and their behavior, which will be vital for understanding how to target malaria transmission more effectively.
A significant concern in the region is the discovery of Anopheles stephensi, an invasive mosquito species that was identified in Turkana in 2022. This species thrives in urban areas and is resistant to the insecticides currently used in the county, making it an increasingly difficult pest to control. The spread of this mosquito species has contributed to the rise in malaria cases in urban areas, which adds complexity to the ongoing efforts to manage the disease.
Cross-border initiatives are also a key part of the malaria control strategy in Turkana. Given the county’s proximity to neighboring countries, regional collaboration is essential to address the disease’s spread effectively. The shared borders mean that malaria can easily cross between countries, and a coordinated approach between Kenya, Uganda, South Sudan, and Ethiopia is necessary to control the disease on a larger scale.
To further bolster these efforts, the county is involved in a two-year research project called “Symbio Vector – Controlling Malaria from Within,” in partnership with the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology. This research, being conducted in Katilu Ward, aims to explore the use of inherited microbes called Microsporidia-MB to block malaria transmission by female mosquitoes, potentially offering a novel approach to controlling the disease.
The Turkana County Health Department remains committed to achieving sustainable malaria control through accurate data collection, evidence-based resource allocation, community engagement, and integrated health services. These proactive measures, combined with targeted interventions such as SMC, insecticide-treated nets, and research initiatives, are expected to reduce malaria-related mortality and improve health outcomes for the population. By addressing both the immediate and long-term challenges of malaria in the region, Turkana is taking significant steps towards a malaria-free future.
