Mombasa residents grapple with mosquito-borne diseases

Mombasa residents are still grappling with malaria, dengue and chikungunya as Governor Hassan Joho promises to eradicate the mosquito borne diseases.

A spot check by Nation at hospitals showed patients are still suffering from the diseases.

According to the 2017 malaria statistics, Likoni had the highest prevalence of the disease with about 17,800 people infected.

HEALTH

County health minister Hazel Koitaba said malaria prevalence is about 7.8 per cent, adding that children were the most affected.

She said the county is aiming at reducing deadly mosquito transmitted diseases that also include yellow and rift valley fever.

“In 2017, Likoni had the highest number of people who had malaria, followed by Kisauni, Jomvu and Mvita which had 6,000 cases. We will need a strong push for prevention of communicable diseases including malaria,” she said.

Ms Koitaba said officials will map the county, identify breeding places and ensure they regularly fumigate the areas.

“Once we stop the breeding process we are able to beat malaria. We have a malaria lab, and our entomologists move around with kits to sample breeding places,” she said.

The county has 44 health facilities as the administration seeks to make treatment of malaria a special programme. To reduce malaria infections, Ms Koitaba urged the residents to sleep under treated mosquito nets which the county has distributed.

“We have started the journey of elimination of malaria in Mombasa. We will need a financial commitment from both the county and donors. We will work closely with community health volunteers,” said the official.

On Friday, Mr Joho promised to eradicate diseases spread by mosquitoes, which the county has been battling since last year. Health officials managed to contain the diseases, but they resurfaced due to the garbage menace which provides breeding areas for mosquitoes.

The governor has since ordered for the closure of Kibarani dumpsite within 70 days. The dumpsite has been an eyesore.

“I don’t know what mechanisms you will put in place, but I want that dumpsite closed by the end of June,” Mr Joho told ministers during the unveiling of 12 new garbage collection trucks at Treasury Square in Mombasa.

Likoni MP Mishi Mboko also urged the county to help the mosquito laboratory to eradicate malaria. “The county has distributed mosquito nets, but it’s sad we use them for agriculture. Malaria kills,” she said.