Malaria Cases Drop Following Nationwide Campaign

A recent government report reveals a 17.8% decline in malaria cases in 2024, with more than 672,000 fewer cases recorded at health facilities compared to the previous year. This progress is largely credited to a massive long‑lasting insecticidal net (LLIN) distribution campaign, which saw 15.3 million nets distributed across 22 high-burden counties. In Turkana County, where malaria transmission peaks during certain seasons, Seasonal Malaria Chemoprevention (SMC) has led to a 70% reduction in cases among young children.
Meanwhile, Busia County has also seen major gains: after ramping up Indoor Residual Spraying (IRS) and prevention efforts, incidence rates fell significantly within targeted zones. Public Health Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni urged continued vigilance and collaboration ahead of the second wave of interventions slated for 2025. She emphasized that sustaining these gains will require strong partnerships, high net usage, and innovations backed by Kenyan research institutions.