When Community Health Promoters (CHPs) knock on the door of Gentrix Mtunguti, a 29-year-old mother from Namasanda village in Bungoma County, she welcomes them with open arms. In their hands, they carry Mebendazole and Praziquantel medicines that protect her family from intestinal worms and bilharzia. For years, accessing these medicines was a challenge, as the cost was prohibitive.
“I am happy they brought the drugs to my home,” Mtunguti says, cuddling her youngest child. “I know these diseases are real, and I want my family to be safe. There are myths about these drugs, but I encourage my neighbors to take them because the health workers know what is best for us.”
Mtunguti is one of millions benefiting from a groundbreaking mass drug administration (MDA) campaign in Western Kenya, aimed at eradicating neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) such as intestinal worms and bilharzia. So far, at least five million people across the counties of Kakamega, Bungoma, Vihiga, and Trans Nzoia have received treatment.
This ambitious campaign is spearheaded by Amref Health Africa, in partnership with the national and county governments, as well as global health organizations like the World Health Organization (WHO) and the END Fund. The WHO has set a target to eliminate these diseases as public health threats by 2030, but Amref aims to achieve this goal even earlier by 2027.
The strategy is simple but effective: providing preventive therapy on a large scale. Mebendazole is used to combat intestinal worms, while Praziquantel is distributed to treat bilharzia. These diseases thrive in poor sanitation conditions, leading to malnutrition, anemia, stunted growth in children, and severe organ damage in adults. Despite being preventable and treatable, they continue to afflict millions, particularly in rural communities.
To ensure the drugs reach those in need, the campaign has embraced technology. CHPs like Shamim Nyangala Mohammed now use the Electronic Community Health Information System (eCHIS) to track treatment distribution in real time.
“With eCHIS, I can instantly record who has received treatment and monitor progress,” she says. “This digital system makes our work more efficient and reduces errors.”
Additionally, local partnerships play a crucial role. The MDA campaign involves Community Drug Distributors (CDDs), trained health workers, and local leaders who work together to ensure that treatment reaches even the most remote areas.
However, misinformation remains a challenge. Some communities fear that deworming drugs are linked to family planning. To combat this, social mobilization efforts involving religious leaders, teachers, and community elders have been rolled out to dispel myths and encourage participation.
The December 2024 campaign aimed to deworm 5.1 million people for intestinal worms and 1.3 million for bilharzia across 142 wards in the region. Kakamega County Deputy Governor Ayub Savula emphasized the importance of community involvement in breaking the transmission cycle.
“We have established 12 Primary Care Networks (PCNs) to enhance service delivery. I encourage every community member to participate. Together, we can eliminate these diseases,” he said.
Health Cabinet Secretary Debrah Barasa, a former CHP herself, highlighted the critical role of community health promoters. “CHPs are the backbone of our healthcare system. They stay in the community, understand the needs of families, and play a crucial role in public health,” she stated.
The MDA campaign represents more than just a health intervention—it is a step toward economic growth and improved quality of life. By eliminating NTDs, the region can break the cycle of poverty and unlock its full potential.
“Addressing NTDs not only saves lives but also creates economic opportunities,” Barasa said. “Let’s work together to make universal health coverage a reality for every Kenyan.”
The battle against bilharzia and intestinal worms is far from over, but with continued government investment, community participation, and innovative solutions, Western Kenya is making significant progress toward a future free from these diseases.
