Kenya Intensifies Efforts to Combat Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) in the Western Region

The Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the END Fund and Amref Health Africa, is intensifying efforts to combat Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) in Kenya’s Western region. From November 4th to 8th, a series of comprehensive training sessions took place in Bungoma County. These sessions aimed to equip trainers with the necessary skills to implement a community-wide Mass Drug Administration (MDA) campaign targeting Soil-Transmitted Helminths (intestinal worms) and Schistosomiasis (bilharzia).

Soil-transmitted helminths are parasites that spread through soil or water contaminated with human waste. In contrast, schistosomiasis is transmitted when urine or faeces from an infected person contaminate freshwater sources. Both of these diseases are classified as neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) and disproportionately affect children and individuals in low-income, rural, and marginalized communities with limited access to clean water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH). These diseases hinder socioeconomic development in these affected areas.

“Through the Deworming Innovation Fund, supported by the End Fund, we have successfully conducted two rounds of Mass Drug Administration (MDA) since 2021,” said Titus Waititu, Preventive Chemotherapy Manager at the Ministry of Health. “Our goal is to interrupt disease transmission in this area with a low endemicity. We have made tremendous progress with the support of Amref Health Africa and the county governments.”

The preparation for this year’s Mass Drug Administration (MDA) is underway. Advocacy efforts, which are crucial for securing community support, resource allocation, and stakeholder engagement, have actively involved counties in the successful implementation of the MDA. Over 200 trainers of trainers (ToTs) from Kakamega, Trans Nzoia, Bungoma, and Vihiga have been trained to ensure that skilled personnel effectively share their knowledge, facilitating efficient implementation and broader community reach. Community Drug Distribution Points will be established in households, churches, markets, and other public spaces to maximize accessibility.

Mass Drug Administration (MDA) is a key control measure recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO). Prevalence surveys conducted in 2021 showed infection rates exceeding WHO thresholds, highlighting the need for community-wide treatments. During the MDA, medications such as Albendazole and Mebendazole will be used to target intestinal worms, while Praziquantel will be administered to combat bilharzia. Additionally, complementary interventions, including behaviour change campaigns and improvements in integrated water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) infrastructure, have been implemented to accelerate elimination efforts and sustain the progress made.

The MDA campaign will take place from October to December, concluding with a five-day medicine distribution event in December. Residents are strongly urged to take the medicine to protect themselves and their families.

“This is our final stretch,” emphasized Waititu. “The WHO aims to eliminate these diseases by 2030, and we are on track to achieve this goal. With continued community participation and commitment to behaviour change strategies, Western Kenya could soon be free of these debilitating diseases.”

Author: Faith Mutegi, Communications Associate, NTD Project, Amref Health Africa in Kenya

Editor: Noah Wekesa, Communications Officer, Amref Health Africa