Turkana: Health officials in Turkana County have raised alarm over the rising cases of Kalazaar, a fatal parasitic disease transmitted by infected sand flies. The County Executive Committee Member (CECM) Dr. Esekon Joseph expressed concerns that the disease, caused by the Leishmania parasite affecting the bone marrow, lymph nodes, liver, and spleen, was becoming increasingly common in local hospitals.
According to Kenya News Agency, Dr. Epem stated that healthcare workers have been battling rising cases since the first three cases were reported in June 2024. The numbers soared to 94 by December 2024 and reached 125 by March 2025, with figures continuing to rise. Dr. Epem emphasized the importance of early identification and management of cases at the community level, supported by strong interventions, intensified public awareness, and behavioral change to improve health-seeking practices.
The forum also deliberated on strategies to address key health priorities, including mitigating the Kalazaar outbreak, accelerating Social Health Authority (SHA) registration, and implementing the Facility Improvement Fund (FIF). On SHA registration, Dr. Epem noted the department's efforts to expand outreach in markets, schools, and hospitals, while encouraging the use of waiting cards to boost enrollment.
Dr. Epem revealed plans to provide 450 digital devices to health facilities to strengthen digital health systems. These devices will improve the surveillance of health products and technologies, strengthen records management, and increase accountability in service delivery. The CECM also directed the development of public awareness campaigns to encourage access to affordable phone and ID registration as part of efforts to increase SHA coverage.
Chief Officer for Medical Services Dr. Gilchrist Lokoel highlighted plans to expand service coverage across all sub-counties through equitable distribution of essential health commodities to ensure availability and accessibility. Chief Officer for Preventive and Promotive Health Janerose Tioko pointed out gaps in revenue collection at health facilities and underscored the importance of proper financial management tools, such as cashbooks. Dr. Lokoel also announced plans to deploy account clerks at sub-county levels to streamline facility finances.
The meeting also reviewed Turkana's health indicators, noting Global Acute Malnutrition (GAM) at 21 percent, Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission (PMTCT) coverage at 86.3 percent, WASH facilities coverage at 58.6 percent, placenta disposal pits deficits at 21 percent of facilities, and gazetted health facilities at 174 percent, with more awaiting gazettement. Other issues discussed included tackling stock-outs, strengthening partnerships, mobilizing resources, integrated supervision, revising the organogram, and enhancing accountability and service delivery.