In order to tackle the high prevalence of intestinal worms and bilharzia in the area, a mass deworming initiative has been started in western Kenya in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, Amref Health Africa, and the END Fund.
Intestinal worms have been reported in 140 out of 155 wards in the targeted counties of Vihiga, Kakamega, Trans Nzoia, and Bungoma, with at least 40 wards having above 40% of bilharzia cases, according to a survey by the Ministry of Health.
The high prevalence of these diseases in the area has been linked mostly to poor sanitation and hygiene standards.
The Ministry of Health and Amref have started behavior change communication initiatives to inform schoolchildren and the community about the value of excellent personal hygiene in order to solve this issue.
The program would provide deworming medications to millions of Kenyans, including over 300 street families, 250 sex workers, and convicts.
These groups have frequently been overlooked in the past, but the government is taking measures to make sure that everyone is included in the mass drug administration, according to Bungoma County Public Health Officer Wambusi Moses.
Due to their harrowing living circumstances, street children must regularly undergo deworming, according to Restoration of Hope Church’s Pastor Joseph Mukolwe.
Mildred Karani, a community health worker, stated that 360 street children in Bungoma County have already gotten deworming medication, with 300 having already received it.
Six million Kenyans are anticipated to receive the program nationwide, with about 900,000 receiving it in Bungoma County alone. The Bungoma GK Prison will complete the activity in the upcoming days.
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