Turkana County Battles Measles and Malaria Outbreaks: Thousands Vaccinated and Treated
In a bid to combat the ongoing measles and malaria outbreaks in Turkana County, thousands of residents have been vaccinated and treated. The provision of life-saving medical services, brought closer to the affected communities, has proven crucial in averting the potential for fatalities caused by these diseases.
Turkana County declared a measles outbreak in March 2023, following the confirmation of several cases. Since then, eight deaths related to the outbreak have been reported. Additionally, the county continues to grapple with a persistent malaria outbreak.
Since June, an organization known as Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) has been collaborating with the Turkana West sub-county team to address the dual threat of measles and malaria. Their efforts have included mass vaccination campaigns, integrated case management, treatment at local health facilities, and vital medical outreach within the community.
One of the primary achievements has been the successful mass vaccination of 26,862 children in the vast sub-county. The campaign has reached villages located over 170 kilometers away, ensuring that even remote areas are covered. Concurrently, health promotion and awareness efforts have been strengthened through community engagement, sensitization, and surveillance.
Among the families severely impacted by these diseases is the Ekope family, residing in one of the villages in Lodakach. Hellen Adir, a concerned mother, brought her two children, two-year-old Ekidor Ekope and ten-year-old Abenyo Ekope, to the medical outreach event. Abenyo, visibly weak, displayed symptoms indicating malaria. Hellen explained, She started experiencing pain in her joints, stomach, and legs. I suspect it is malaria and have come to get medication for her.
Nancy Gichiki, a clinical officer from MSF, assessed Abenyo’s condition, finding high temperature and rashes around her ear. Further examination revealed throat inflammation, confirming a case of measles. Additionally, Abenyo tested positive for malaria, as she had complained of body aches. Thus, her treatment began promptly.
Abenyo is just one of the 451 people reported to have measles and the 1,475 affected by malaria in Turkana West sub-county alone. These diseases have taken a toll on individuals of all ages, from infants to the elderly.
Despite the challenges posed by the outbreak, the Turkana community is also contending with the devastating effects of a persistent drought. Many families, already burdened by the loss of their livestock, struggle to secure sufficient food for survival. Consequently, malnutrition has become a prevalent issue among children, pregnant women, and breastfeeding mothers.
In response, efforts have been made to distribute mosquito nets to protect vulnerable individuals from malaria. A total of 8,403 nets have been distributed thus far. The Ekope family, including Ekidor and his recovering siblings, received one such net to safeguard their health.
To address the medical needs of the community, over 100 medical consultations were conducted during the outreach event in Lodakach, with an additional 1,466 consultations taking place at healthcare facilities. These interventions are vital in providing access to healthcare services and ensuring the well-being of the affected population.
As Turkana County battles with the measles and malaria outbreaks, the collaboration between MSF and the local authorities remains instrumental in saving lives. The provision of vital medical services, including vaccination, treatment, and outreach programs, has proven to be a lifeline for the affected communities. However, the long-term solution lies in sustained healthcare infrastructure and support to address the underlying issues contributing to the outbreaks, such as malnutrition and the effects of drought.
