The Ministry of Health (MoH) is set to launch a comprehensive campaign in June 2025 to administer antimalarial drugs in Turkana County, one of Kenya’s most vulnerable regions to the deadly disease. This initiative aims to combat the rising number of malaria cases and improve public health outcomes in the area, which has been heavily impacted by the disease for years.
Turkana, located in Kenya’s arid and semi-arid regions, has consistently faced challenges related to malaria, largely due to the presence of stagnant water bodies and high temperatures that promote the breeding of malaria-carrying mosquitoes. Malaria remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality, especially among young children and pregnant women, despite ongoing efforts to address the disease.
The MoH’s intervention is part of a broader effort to curb the spread of malaria through preventive measures, including the distribution of antimalarial drugs, insecticide-treated nets, and increased public health education. The program will target vulnerable communities, with particular emphasis on households in malaria-prone areas.
According to the Ministry, antimalarial drugs such as artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs) will be provided to communities in Turkana, alongside continued monitoring and support. Health workers will also be trained on the effective administration of these treatments to ensure the highest standards of care and effectiveness.
Turkana County has been facing several healthcare challenges over the years, exacerbated by limited access to health services due to its vast and remote geography. The planned distribution of antimalarial drugs is expected to reach tens of thousands of residents, including those in hard-to-reach areas, improving access to timely treatment.
We are committed to ensuring that malaria control interventions reach every part of Kenya, and Turkana County is a priority in this year’s health agenda, said a statement from the Ministry of Health. The provision of antimalarial drugs will help prevent the spread of the disease and reduce the burden on our healthcare system.
The initiative is expected to have a significant impact on the health and wellbeing of the Turkana people. Community leaders and local health officials have expressed their support for the MoH’s decision, recognizing that it will help reduce the financial and emotional toll that malaria has on families in the region.
In addition to the drug distribution, the Ministry will also ramp up awareness campaigns to educate the population on preventive measures such as proper use of bed nets, eliminating mosquito breeding grounds, and recognizing early symptoms of malaria.
As part of the broader goal of reducing malaria-related deaths, the MoH will also work closely with local organizations and international partners to strengthen surveillance and response systems. These collaborative efforts are crucial in identifying and addressing outbreaks swiftly to protect communities and minimize health risks.
The initiative is expected to extend beyond June, with plans for periodic follow-ups and continuous drug distribution in the coming months. The MoH is also exploring the use of innovative technologies to further enhance outreach efforts in Turkana, including mobile health applications and telemedicine services, to ensure consistent and widespread coverage.
With this initiative, the Ministry of Health aims to make significant strides in the fight against malaria, and hopes to see a marked decline in cases and related deaths in Turkana County. As the program unfolds, it is expected that other counties with similar challenges will look to Turkana’s model for insights and solutions to their own public health challenges.
Through these concerted efforts, the Ministry of Health is reaffirming its commitment to the goal of achieving malaria elimination in Kenya, working toward a healthier future for all, especially the most vulnerable populations.
