KENYA—Malaria continues to impact 75% of Kenya’s population, according to data from the United States President’s Malaria Initiative (PMI).
While hosting a meeting in preparation for World Malaria Day, Ms. Mary M. Muriuki, the principal secretary of the State Department for Public Health and Professional Standards, and other health officials revealed a notable decrease in malaria cases from 11% in 2010 to 6% in 2020.
In her speech on April 23, 2024, in a briefing in Nairobi, Kenya, ahead of World Malaria Day , Ms. Muriuki emphasized the urgent need for coordinated action against this persistent threat in a meeting with health officials.
She went on to underline the effectiveness of initiatives like the mass net campaign, aiming to distribute over 15 million nets by June 2024.
Despite progress, she stressed the importance of addressing a remaining shortage of 3.6 million nets and acknowledged the crucial role of funding partners.
Ms. Muriuki announced the development of an Investment Case for Malaria Control in Kenya to streamline resource allocation.
The Ministry of Health reaffirmed its commitment to collaboration, pledging to work closely with partners to bridge financial gaps and implement robust malaria control strategies.
Ms. Muriuki also reiterated Kenya’s aspiration for malaria eradication, drawing inspiration from Cape Verde’s successful efforts. She urged all stakeholders to maintain focus on this goal.
A national commemorative event, “Gender, Health Equity, and Human Rights,” has been scheduled for April 25th, 2024, at Pawteng Primary School in Awasi, Kisumu County.
Each year, an estimated 3.5 million new clinical cases and 10,700 fatalities are recorded in Kenya, with individuals in western Kenya bearing the brunt of malaria’s impact.
In combating malaria, the Kenya Ministry of Health has closely collaborated with the CDC and benefited from support from the United States President’s Malaria Initiative.
For over thirty years, the CDC has partnered with the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), a division of Kenya’s Ministry of Health.
The CDC’s Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria leads malaria-related activities in Kenya, encompassing capacity building, technical assistance, surveillance, prevention, case management, and research.
Additionally, partners such as USAID assist in procuring and distributing insecticide-treated nets for Kenya’s Government through mass campaigns and healthcare facilities, further contributing to malaria prevention efforts.
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