Health Ministry Scales Up Fight Against Neglected Tropical Diseases in Western Kenya
By Isaac Kogei
The Ministry of Health has ramped up its fight against Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) in Western Kenya through an ongoing Mass Drug Administration (MDA) campaign targeting intestinal worms and bilharzia.
The initiative, in partnership with End Fund and Amref Health Africa, focuses on reaching vulnerable populations—particularly children and individuals in low-income, rural, and marginalized communities with limited access to clean water, sanitation, and hygiene services.
Speaking to Kass Digital Caro Makali, the Bungoma County County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Health, highlighted both the progress and challenges in the region’s fight against NTDs.
“Bungoma has made significant progress in reducing the burden of neglected tropical diseases through mass drug administration, health campaigns, education, and improved sanitation,” Makali said.
“However, we are still facing serious challenges due to a lack of sustained funding.”
She warned that without continued investment, the gains made so far could be reversed, especially in hard-to-reach areas where NTDs remain prevalent.
NTDs are a group of preventable and treatable diseases that disproportionately affect the poorest populations. Despite their devastating impact on health, education, and economic productivity, they often receive less attention and fewer resources than other public health threats.
The MDA campaign involves distributing safe, effective medication at the community level, aiming to break the transmission cycle of these diseases and prevent long-term complications.
