Health CS Cleopa Mailu.Photo/nation.co.ke
Health Cabinet Secretary Cleopa Mailu has said that the national government is committed to ensuring that Malaria in eradicated in Kenya.
Mr Mailu said counties and national government are collaborating in the fight against Malaria adding that diagnostic facilities are available in 87 per cent of all public health facilities across the country both Rapid diagnostic Kit and Microscopy.
In a speech read on his behalf by Director of Medical Services Jackson Kioko in Narok, Mr Mailu said in the effort of eradicating Malaria, the government will work with partners this year to distribute more than 15 million of long-lasting treated mosquito nets to curb the spread.
He said pregnant mothers, children under five and other vulnerable groups in 23 malaria-prone counties will be the beneficiaries of the treated nets.
The CS said the nets have been treated with a chemical that remains active for many years and does not lose its strength even when washed.
“Although Kenya has made strides in combating Malaria by reducing cases from 11 per cent in 2014 to about eight per cent today, more needs to be done. The ministry has bought enough malaria test kits.”
“Investment in malaria eradication is worthwhile as it boost industrial productivity across all economic sectors, both in agriculture and manufacturing through sick-offs and low productivities when infected,” he said.
Dr Mailu urged healthcare providers to adhere to the three Ts — Test, Treat and Track (monitor) in malaria treatment to avoid recurrence.
Mr Kioko said the new malaria vaccine which was recently launched in the country will be administered to the under-five alongside other vaccines on a pilot basis until next year, when it will be adopted in the country as a full vaccine.
“We’re taking time to observe the vaccine’s performance and public reaction before it is adopted,” he said.