The Ministry of Health, Siaya’s Health Department, and the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) have collaborated to launch a mass drug administration campaign targeting bilharzia, scientifically referred to as schistosomiasis, and intestinal worms, also known as helminths, in the sub-counties of Bondo and Rarieda. This extensive health initiative is scheduled to begin in November, aiming to mitigate these two diseases, which are categorized as neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) due to their significant yet often overlooked impact on public health. Through this campaign, the Ministry of Health and its partners aspire to address these pressing health challenges in the affected regions by ensuring that the local communities have access to essential preventative treatment.
This mass drug administration campaign is particularly urgent due to the high prevalence of bilharzia and intestinal worms in Bondo and Rarieda, with recent data showing endemic levels. During a stakeholder sensitization meeting held in Siaya, the Ministry of Health provided an overview of the disease epidemiology, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention measures. Attendees were also introduced to strategies for engaging with the community to ensure widespread participation in the campaign. The aim of this session was to equip stakeholders with the latest insights on these diseases and develop effective plans for mobilizing communities to take an active role in disease prevention efforts.
Siaya County's Non-Tropical Disease Coordinator, Charles Oduor, emphasized the gravity of the situation by highlighting the global impact of schistosomiasis and helminths, which cause substantial morbidity and mortality. "Mass drug administration campaigns remain the key strategy to fighting diseases where the medicines praziquantel and albendazole will be given for prevention," said Oduor. He reiterated that addressing these diseases now is crucial to avoid a public health crisis in the future, particularly as other NTDs are already present across Kenya, adding to the urgency of Siaya’s ongoing campaign.
The campaign has mobilized Community Health Promoters who will be administering Mebendazole for intestinal worms and Praziquantel for bilharzia to residents in endemic areas. These drugs have been carefully selected for their efficacy and safety, and Oduor urged residents to cooperate fully with the health officials to achieve the campaign’s objectives.
According to Dr. Esther Kinyeru, WHO’s Kenya representative, the campaign is part of a preventive chemotherapy approach that will target a large number of individuals to stop the diseases from spreading further. WHO’s previous surveys indicated that bilharzia prevalence is particularly high in specific areas, such as Yimbo West in Bondo (70.73%), Central Sakwa (21.82%), and Rarieda’s South Uyoma (16.73%) and West Asembo recording 20% prevalence.
Governor James Orengo’s agenda on healthcare access, as highlighted in his Nyalore Manifesto, aligns closely with this initiative. His commitment to accessible, affordable, and quality healthcare for all Siaya residents emphasizes the need to tackle such widespread health threats through structured campaigns like this. Orengo’s agenda prioritizes improving healthcare facilities, increasing drug availability, and enhancing disease prevention efforts across Siaya County. In the context of the bilharzia and helminth campaign, these priorities manifest in coordinated efforts with national and international health bodies to curb diseases that disproportionately affect vulnerable populations, ultimately fostering a healthier Siaya County.