By Arasha Soila
Wajir County is grappling with a severe outbreak of Kala-azar, with over 600 confirmed cases and 25 deaths reported in the past three months. In response to the escalating health crisis, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) has joined forces with county and national health authorities to bolster efforts to combat the deadly disease.
Wajir Governor Ahmed Abdullahi hailed the arrival of a team from the international charity that is expected to boost ongoing efforts against the relentless outbreak of the disease.
Meanwhile, the Governor announced that the county has intensified its response by securing life-saving drugs from the Netherlands. He also revealed the launch of a rapid fumigation campaign in affected areas and an expansion of hospital bed capacity to accommodate the increasing number of patients.
“The urgency of the situation has pushed us to acquire additional test kits, ensuring quick diagnosis and prompt treatment,” Governor Abdullahi said.
He further highlighted critical support from the Ministry of Health, including the deployment of two mobile laboratories to strengthen testing and response capabilities.
“With these additional resources, we are now better equipped to contain the outbreak and provide care to those in need,” he added. “The battle is far from over, but with every intervention, we take one step closer to overcoming this crisis.”
Kala-azar, also known as visceral leishmaniasis, is a disease transmitted to humans by sandflies. In Kenya, the disease is prevalent in arid and semi-arid regions, including Turkana, Marigat in Baringo East, Mandera, Garissa, Wajir, and West Pokot counties.
