(Wajir-Kenya) At least nine children have succumbed to a relentless Kala-azar outbreak in parts of Wajir since September 2024, as rising cases continue to overstretch health facilities in the county.
So far, more than 370 cases have been reported, with the disease predominantly affecting children under the age of five. The hardest-hit areas are Eldas and Wajir West constituencies.
According to Wajir County Chief Officer of Medical Services, Mr Mohamed Guhad, Eldas health facility has recorded the highest number of cases, with more than 150 patients, while Arbajahan is handling over 130 cases.
“Most of the patients are coming from Eldas, which is the epicentre of the outbreak,” Mr Guhad said. “We also have many cases in Arbajahan”
The Chief Officer added that a huge percentage of the cases recorded in various health facilities are children under five years.
In response to the growing crisis, the county has set up additional wards at Wajir County Referral Hospital to accommodate the increasing number of patients, with Wajir North Constituency also reporting cases.
Earlier on Tuesday, Wajir Governor Mr Ahmed Abdullahi raised the alarm after visiting the referral hospital, which is struggling to manage the outbreak.
“The rising number of patients has stretched the hospital’s capacity, with a shortage of beds and testing kits posing a significant challenge to effective treatment and containment efforts,” the governor said.
He added that the county is working closely with the Ministry of Health and other partners to curb the spread of the disease while urging residents to seek immediate medical attention.
“As we work to contain this outbreak, I urge residents to remain vigilant, seek early treatment, and adhere to health guidelines,” he said.
The County Department of Medical Services is facing numerous challenges, including inadequate medical resources to handle the increasing number of cases.
“The County Government of Wajir is doing its best to control the spread of the disease. However, Kala-azar treatment is generally expensive, and we require urgent support from well-wishers,” Mr Guhad added.
Additionally, Wajir County Referral Hospital is handling referral cases from Kutulo in Mandera, which has so far reported two cases of the disease.
Reports from affected areas indicate that the outbreak is continuing to spread in remote villages where access to health facilities is limited.
Kala-azar, caused by parasites transmitted through sandfly bites in dry areas, can be fatal if left untreated. It is characterised by symptoms such as an enlarged spleen, fever, and severe weight loss.
