In a tragic turn of events, the Awuor family in Migori, Kenya, has recently experienced the loss of five family members to malaria. The most recent victim, Rosebella Awuor, succumbed to the disease after losing her pregnancy, leaving behind her 11-year-old son as the sole survivor in the family.
Malaria remains a significant public health challenge in Kenya, with an estimated 5 million cases and over 12,000 deaths reported in 2022. The disease disproportionately affects children under 5 and pregnant women, highlighting the urgent need for effective prevention and treatment measures.
While progress has been made in combating malaria through traditional methods such as distributing insecticide-treated bed nets and spraying breeding areas, experts warn that the effectiveness of these approaches has plateaued. The COVID-19 pandemic further complicated efforts to control malaria by disrupting the distribution of drugs and treatment.
Dr. Willis Akhwale, a public health expert, emphasized the importance of investing in new generation medicines to counter drug-resistant cases reported in parts of Africa. He also highlighted the need for increased funding and logistical support to strengthen malaria control efforts in Kenya.
One positive development is the local manufacturing of essential antimalarial drugs in Kenya. The approval of the production of Spaq, a combination drug, by the WHO signifies a step towards reducing dependency on imports and ensuring timely access to lifesaving medications.
Despite these efforts, challenges persist, with gaps in funding and the need for innovative treatment methods to address the evolving nature of the disease. The impact of malaria is felt most acutely in regions with high temperatures and rainfall, underscoring the need for targeted interventions in these areas.
As Kenya continues its fight against malaria, the support of domestic funding and the private sector will be crucial in closing the existing gaps and preventing unnecessary deaths from this preventable disease.
