Turkana County is grappling with an alarming increase in malaria cases, prompting urgent action from the County Health Department. Recent data from the Kenya Health Information System revealed that Turkana reported 76,516 malaria cases in just two months, June and July 2024. This sharp rise in cases has put the region’s health facilities under significant strain, particularly in the subcounties of Loima, Lokiriama, and Turkana Central, where the upsurge has been most pronounced.
The data, collected from 12 health facilities across these subcounties, has been meticulously verified by the Field Epidemiology and Laboratory Training Programme (FELTP) under the National Ministry of Health. The FELTP team, led by Raphael Nyawa, spent eight days in the field gathering data to understand the extent of the malaria outbreak. During their visit to the Naotin Dispensary in Turkana Central, the team observed 13 new malaria cases within just two hours, underscoring the severity of the situation.
The findings were presented to the County Executive for Health and Sanitation, Longole Wangiros, and the Chief Officer for Preventive and Promotive Health, Cathra Abdi. The data highlighted the need for immediate intervention to prevent the situation from worsening. Wangiros emphasized the importance of data-driven strategies in responding to the outbreak, stating that future decisions must be firmly grounded in accurate data to ensure that resources are allocated efficiently and effectively.
One of the key challenges identified during the data collection process was the need for improved record-keeping skills among healthcare staff. Discrepancies in the recording of cases were noted, which could potentially hinder the effective management of the outbreak. To address this, the County Health Department has initiated on-the-job training for staff to enhance their record-keeping abilities. By ensuring accurate data collection, the department aims to better track the spread of malaria and deploy resources where they are most needed.
In response to the upsurge in malaria cases, the Turkana Health Department is also focusing on strengthening the Community Epidemic Preparedness and Response (CEPR) program. This program is designed to enhance the community’s ability to respond to health emergencies, including disease outbreaks like malaria. By empowering communities with the knowledge and tools to manage such situations, the department hopes to reduce the burden on health facilities and improve overall public health outcomes.
The County Malaria Coordinator, David Ekai, highlighted the importance of mentorship sessions that have been conducted as part of the CEPR program. These sessions aim to improve the diagnosis and classification of malaria cases in healthcare facilities across Turkana. By ensuring that healthcare workers are equipped with the necessary skills to accurately diagnose and treat malaria, the program seeks to enhance the effectiveness of the county’s response to the outbreak.
Turkana’s renewed focus on data-driven strategies and community preparedness comes at a critical time. Malaria remains one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in Kenya, particularly in regions like Turkana, where access to healthcare is often limited. The county’s health department is keenly aware of the challenges posed by the outbreak and is committed to implementing measures that will curb the spread of the disease and save lives.
In addition to the immediate actions being taken, there is also a long-term need for sustained efforts to combat malaria in Turkana. This includes improving access to healthcare services, increasing the availability of malaria prevention tools such as insecticide-treated nets, and enhancing public awareness about the disease and its transmission. The county’s health department is working closely with national and international partners to ensure that these efforts are well-coordinated and adequately funded.
As Turkana continues to battle this significant malaria outbreak, the emphasis on accurate data collection, community preparedness, and targeted interventions will be crucial in managing the situation effectively. The health department’s proactive approach, coupled with the ongoing support from various stakeholders, provides hope that the current upsurge can be brought under control and that future outbreaks can be better managed.
