Blog #4 Kenya - Neglected Diseases

The recent outbreak of dengue fever and also an outbreak of kala-azar in Northern Kenya are calling for improved health services. In the countries remote communities these diseases have had a significant effect. Health officials state there have been 300 cases since the January. The disease is concentrated in the Mandera District and three degue deaths are recorded. There also may be other deaths in remote places that have not been reported. The way the outbreak is being handled has the most concern. Most patients are reported to be seeking treatment in private clinics because the district hospital is not responding with concern. A nurse even stated that they did not have the means as far as antibiotics and fluids to manage the outbreak.

            In the case of Kala-azar the officials are denying an outbreak. However the not-for-profit Drugs for Neglected Diseases Inititive has reported receiving new cases. The government does not have any more kits to diagnose kala-azar. Kala-azar is contracted by sand flies and has a death rate of 95%. If there is no kit to diagnose these cases then there will be any treatment. Treatment that only requires daily injections could save the infected. The government’s inaction is noted. There is not access to health facilities.  The government is also ridiculed at the lack of preparation and apathy for the remote citizens. In 2012, there were treatment prevention measures for kala-azar. This included rapid diagnostic test kids, mobile test centres, and insecticide-treated mosquito nets. These provisions are falling by the wayside and leaving the inhabitants to fend for themselves.

            This article is important for the world to know. There is no reason for a disease that can be treated to flourish, especially a disease with a mortality rate of 95%. This should be addressed on a government level. The lack of kits to even test for the disease is a failure for the country. Kenya should be held accountable for their inaction. This article does a good job of hold them accountable as well as using other sources that show the lack of action.

http://www.irinnews.org/Report/97506/New-cases-of-dengue-fever-kala-azar-reported-in-Kenya-s-north

Latina Brooks

February 21,2013

11:00am