As the family of Rosebella Awuor in Migori, Kenya, mourned her death from malaria, it was the fifth death in the family attributed to the disease. Awuor lost her pregnancy before succumbing to malaria, leaving her 11-year-old son as the only survivor. The family has also lost Awuor’s husband and two other young children to malaria in the past. Poverty in the region makes malaria deadly for those who cannot afford treatment, despite the disease being preventable and curable. The impact of malaria is particularly felt in regions with high temperatures and high rainfall, such as the western region near Lake Victoria.
Kenya continues to face a significant public health challenge with malaria, with an estimated 5 million cases and over 12,000 deaths reported in 2022. Children under 5 and pregnant women are most affected by the disease. Traditional methods of combating malaria in Kenya include distributing treated bed nets, spraying breeding areas, and promoting prompt diagnosis and treatment. However, experts say progress with these approaches has plateaued. The COVID-19 pandemic has further hampered efforts, slowing down the distribution of drugs and treatment for malaria.
Dr. Willis Akhwale, a public health expert and special adviser for the Kenya End Malaria Council, emphasized the need for innovative treatment methods as drug-resistant cases have been reported in parts of Africa. He also highlighted the need for increased funding and logistical support to combat malaria effectively. Wilson Otieno, an accountant and father in Kisumu, said malaria treatment is expensive, having been admitted to the hospital multiple times. Local manufacturing of antimalarial drugs, such as Spaq, by companies like Universal Corporation Limited, has shown progress in reducing dependency on imports.
The approval by the World Health Organization for the production of Spaq in Kenya is seen as a significant step in Africa’s capacity to make lifesaving medications, reducing vulnerabilities exposed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Palu Dhanani, the founder and managing director of UCL, noted that local manufacturing can help lower dependency on imported drugs, especially during supply disruptions like those witnessed during the pandemic. Dhanani emphasized the importance of timely access to the right medication to prevent unnecessary deaths from malaria. The need for new generation medicines, increased funding, and private sector support is crucial to closing the gap in combating malaria in Kenya.
The ongoing struggle against malaria in Kenya highlights the importance of continued efforts to prevent and treat the disease, which disproportionately affects vulnerable populations such as children and pregnant women. Investments in new medicines, increased funding, and domestic support are essential to overcoming challenges such as drug resistance and supply disruptions. The approval for local manufacturing of antimalarial drugs signifies progress in Africa’s capacity to address public health challenges and reduce dependency on imports. While the fight against malaria remains a significant challenge, ongoing efforts and innovative approaches offer hope for reducing the burden of the disease in Kenya and beyond.
