- Moses Wambusi, the malaria coordinator for Bungoma County, reports a prevalence rate of 29 per cent.
- Dr Muganda acknowledges that since April, the facility has seen numerous patients, including severe cases of cerebral malaria, due to the onset of rainfall.
Image: TONY WAFULA
Health experts have highlighted the significant role of the global climate change crisis in the surge of malaria cases observed in health facilities across high-endemic regions in the country.
Moses Wambusi, the malaria coordinator for Bungoma County, reports a prevalence rate of 29 per cent.
The prevalence rates per subcounty in Bungoma for 2023 and 2024 are as follows: Bumula 49 per cent, Cheptais 27 per cent, Kabuchai 34 per cent, Kanduyi 20 per cent, Kimilili 19 per cent, Mt Elgon 8 per cent, Sirisia 46 per cent, Tongaren 12 per cent, Webuye East 25 per cent, and Webuye West 28 per cent.
Dr Kendrick Muganda, Medical Superintendent at Life Care Hospitals, explains that malaria, caused by plasmodium parasites, is exacerbated by weather changes and flooding, creating ideal breeding conditions for mosquitoes, the disease's carriers.
Dr Muganda warns that the current weather patterns, combined with increased mosquito populations due to heavy rainfall, are likely to lead to a surge in malaria cases.
He emphasizes the importance of preventive measures such as sleeping under treated mosquito nets and eliminating stagnant water around homes to curb the spread of malaria.
"When mosquitoes feed on infected individuals and then move on to bite others, they transmit the infection. This is why, amidst the climate change crisis, we anticipate a rise in malaria cases," he explained.
Dr Muganda acknowledges that since April, the facility has seen numerous patients, including severe cases of cerebral malaria, due to the onset of rainfall.
"With the increase in malaria cases, it's imperative for all stakeholders to collaborate in addressing this surge. Community awareness campaigns are crucial, emphasizing the importance of using treated mosquito nets," Muganda said.
He highlights the looming threat of malaria in Bungoma, compounded by the existing burden of sickle cell disease, leading to numerous hospital admissions due to malaria infections.
"I urge everyone to sleep under treated mosquito nets and eliminate stagnant water around homes to eradicate mosquito breeding sites. Additionally, seek immediate medical attention if experiencing symptoms such as fever, headache, or vomiting," he said.
Dr Muganda cautioned against self-medication, citing high mortality rates in Bungoma due to delayed presentation of malaria cases.
Lilian Atieno Oloo, the subcounty Malaria coordinator for Kanduyi, highlights the population's vulnerability, particularly pregnant women and children under one year, urging proactive measures and prompt medical attention for symptoms.
She reports that the malaria positivity rate in the Kanduyi subcounty is 30 per cent, indicating that out of every 100 individuals tested for malaria, at least 30 test positive.
Additionally, she notes that the uptake of Antenatal Care Visits (ANC) among pregnant women visiting health facilities is at 75 per cent.
She emphasizes that children under one year and pregnant women are particularly vulnerable to malaria, underscoring the importance of distributing treated mosquito nets during their visits to health facilities.
Ashley Kerre, representing the Kenya AIDS NGO's Consortium (Kanco), a non-governmental organization advocating for reduced TB, malaria, and HIV/AIDS, collaborates with county governments to eradicate malaria by 2030, aligning with sustainable development goals.
In Bungoma, Kerre confirms the training of community health promoters (CHPs) in the management of malaria cases, who subsequently conduct testing in villages and provide treatment to those testing positive.
She also asserts that the climate change crisis has exacerbated the prevalence of malaria.
Image: TONY WAFULA