Trachoma patients in Trans Mara refuse to take eye drugs

Dr David Lekuye, an eye specialists at Transmara District Hospital reviewing trachoma patients who earlier underwent eye surgery. The fight against the trachoma eye disease in Trans Mara has suffered a major blow after residents refused to take prescribed medication due to its perceived side effects. PHOTO | RUTH MBULA | NATION MEDIA GROUP

What you need to know:

  • People who have the disease are reluctant to take Azithromax tablets for adults and a syrup for children.
  • Health officials in the region are now faced with the uphill task of convincing them otherwise.
  • Dr David Lekuye, an eye specialist said the health benefits of the vaccine outweigh the side effects experienced by some people.
  • Trans Mara District Hospital boss Timothy Lumarai said they are targeting at least 218,000 people.

The fight against the trachoma eye disease in Trans Mara has suffered a major blow after residents refused to take prescribed medication due to its perceived side effects.

People who have the disease are reluctant to take Azithromax tablets for adults and a syrup for children.

They claim that the medicine is making them have diarrhoea.

Health officials in the region are now faced with the uphill task of convincing them otherwise.

In Enoosaen Location, Ms Cherop Siele said she stopped using the drug after suffering a serious bout of diarrhoea that lasted three weeks.

The story is also the same at the nearby Saparingo Primary School, where the headteacher, Mr Ole Sosio said: “At least 15 pupils from my school started complaining of serious stomach aches after the vaccine was administered to them.”

“They were rushed to Trans Mara District Hospital and Kawai Dispensary,” he added.

Health experts have however played down claims that the drug has side effects.

Dr David Lekuye, an eye specialist at Trans Mara District Hospital, said the health benefits of the vaccine outweigh the side effects experienced by some people.

“The residents should, therefore, not fear taking it as it is beneficial in the long run,” he said.

He added that the side effects experienced by some people were short term.

Trans Mara District Hospital boss Timothy Lumarai said they are targeting at least 218,000 people.