Turkana County is experiencing a rise in new malaria cases, as reported by health facilities in the region. Data from 12 facilities across Loima, Lokiriama, and Turkana Central Subcounties indicates an increase in malaria incidences.
This information has been confirmed by a team from the Field Epidemiology and Laboratory Training Programme (FELTP), which operates under the National Ministry of Health. The FELTP team, which spent eight days gathering data, shared their findings with County Executive for Health and Sanitation Longole Wangiros and Chief Officer for Preventive and Promotive Health Cathra Abdi.
FELTP team leader Raphael Nyawa noted that they observed 13 new malaria cases within just two hours at the Naotin Dispensary in Turkana Central. According to the Kenya Health Information System, Turkana reported 76,516 malaria cases in June and July 2024.
Longole Wangiros stated that the County Department of Health and Sanitation is now focusing on data-driven approaches to address the issue. “Our decisions should be based on data to ensure resources are allocated where they are most needed,” Wangiros emphasized. He also highlighted the need for on-the-job training to address discrepancies in staff skills revealed during the data dissemination.
In response to the surge in cases, the Turkana Health Department aims to enhance its Community Epidemic Preparedness and Response program. County Malaria Coordinator David Ekai mentioned that mentorship sessions have been conducted to improve the diagnosis and classification of malaria cases across various facilities.
