Malaria cases set to rise during El Niño rains

Kenya will experience an upsurge in malaria cases when the anticipated El Niño rains start pounding the country.

Medical Services permanent secretary James ole Kiyiapi said most of the cases are likely to occur among children aged below five years.

Experts warn that breeding sites for mosquitoes which transmit the disease will increase during the rains leading to an upsurge in cases.

Malaria is the leading cause of death in Kenya, mostly affecting the rural poor, especially young children and pregnant women.

It also accounts for 30 per cent of out-patient attendances and 19 per cent of admissions to health facilities.

On Tuesday, Prof Kiyiapi said the government has developed a national malaria strategy to combat the disease.

The PS was speaking when he received a donation of artemisinin combination therapy antimalarial drugs worth Sh60 million from Chinese ambassador Deng Hongbo at Afya House, Nairobi.

“I would also like to thank the Chinese government for disbursing Sh800 million towards the construction of the Nairobi East District Hospital in Kayole.”

Meanwhile, a Bill which aims at regulating the training of herbalists and use of herbal products has been developed and forwarded to the Attorney General’s office.