Wajir County has launched an intensive ten-day fumigation exercise in a determined bid to combat a deadly outbreak of kala-azar that has already claimed nine lives and infected more than 500 people. Health officials have been dispatched to Eldas and Wajir West sub-counties, which are the most severely affected, to carry out fumigation and spraying activities aimed at eradicating sandflies, the insects responsible for spreading the disease. According to the county health department, the targeted fumigation operation will cover approximately 6,000 households in the identified hotspot areas. The current health crisis emerged in the aftermath of recent floods, which left behind a landscape of lush vegetation and deep cracks in the soil—ideal breeding grounds for sandflies.
Speaking on the matter, Mohamed Hassan Maalim, the County Director for Public Health, explained that the floods created environmental conditions conducive to the proliferation of sandflies, thus exacerbating the outbreak. He stressed the importance of community participation in curbing the spread of kala-azar and urged residents to seek immediate medical attention if they experience symptoms. In addition to the fumigation campaign, the county has dispatched a trained health team to raise awareness about the disease. The team is conducting public education campaigns to inform residents about the symptoms, transmission methods, and preventive strategies related to kala-azar.
County health officials have highlighted the severity of the outbreak, particularly its impact on young children. Ahmed Guhad, County Chief Officer for Medical Services, confirmed that all nine deaths recorded since September last year involved children under five. He reported that over 500 cases have been officially documented, with the majority occurring in Eldas, Wajir West, and Wajir East constituencies. Guhad pointed out that the ongoing response has been hampered by limited resources, including a shortage of testing kits and an overstretched healthcare system. The geographical remoteness of many affected communities has also slowed down the deployment of adequate medical support.
Wajir Referral Hospital, the county’s main health facility, has been overwhelmed by the influx of kala-azar patients. Hassan Abass Ahmed, the County Director of Medical Services, noted that due to overcrowding at the hospital, patients are now being redirected to Makoror Hospital, while health centres in Giriftu and Eldas have begun to admit patients directly. In response to the increasing demand for medical care, the county has set up additional paediatric wards at Wajir Referral Hospital. However, the hospital continues to face logistical challenges, including delayed test results from laboratories in Nairobi, Nakuru, and Kisumu, and a critical shortage of drugs used in treating kala-azar.
Wajir Governor Ahmed Abdullahi visited the referral hospital to assess the situation firsthand. He acknowledged the immense pressure on healthcare services and directed the hospital management to acquire additional beds and ensure an uninterrupted supply of diagnostic kits. The governor affirmed that the county government is collaborating with the national health authorities and other partners to ensure timely intervention and prevent further loss of life.
Kala-azar, also known as visceral leishmaniasis, is a parasitic disease transmitted through sandfly bites. Health experts warn that if not treated promptly, the disease can prove fatal. Symptoms include fever, weight loss, diarrhoea, fatigue, anaemia, and an enlarged spleen or liver. The ongoing efforts in Wajir aim to interrupt the transmission cycle of the disease and ensure that those affected receive prompt medical care, while also equipping the community with knowledge and tools to prevent future outbreaks.
