Turkana Health Department Sounds Alarm as Kala-azar Cases Surge
Turkana County health officials have raised concern over a sharp rise in Kala-azar infections, warning that the parasitic disease is becoming increasingly common across the region.
County Health Executive Joseph Epem said the situation has escalated since the first three cases were detected in June 2024. By December the same year, the number had climbed to 94, and by March 2025 the cases had risen to 125 — with the trend still upward.
We are witnessing a worrying increase in Kala-azar cases, and this has become a persistent challenge for our health system, Epem said during a Thursday meeting with officials from the medical services, preventive, and promotive health departments.
Kala-azar, caused by the leishmania parasite and transmitted by infected sandflies, affects vital organs including the bone marrow, liver, spleen, and lymph nodes. Its symptoms include persistent fever, weight loss, and swelling of the spleen and liver.
County Moves to Strengthen Response
Epem emphasized the need for early detection at the community level, noting that aggressive interventions, public sensitisation, and behaviour change campaigns are critical to controlling the disease.
Our priority is to ensure timely identification and treatment of cases while enhancing public understanding of prevention measures, he said.
Health officials also reviewed strategies to address other key county health priorities, including scaling up registration for the Social Health Authority (SHA) and strengthening the Facility Improvement Fund (FIF) systems.
Epem said the county is expanding SHA outreach programmes in markets, schools, hospitals and other public spaces. He encouraged parents, students, and young adults to enrol, adding that registration cards would be used to simplify the process.
Digital Systems, Staffing, and Infrastructure
To support disease surveillance and improve health data management, the county plans to distribute 450 digital devices to its health facilities. These devices will help streamline records, track medical supplies and enhance accountability in service delivery.
Medical Services Chief Officer Gilchrist Lokoel announced efforts to ensure equitable distribution of essential medical commodities across subcounties and revealed plans to deploy accounting clerks to strengthen financial management at the facility level.
Preventive and Promotive Health Chief Officer Janerose Tioko noted gaps in revenue collection and stressed the need for proper financial tools such as cashbooks to support accurate resource tracking.
County Health Indicators
The meeting reviewed several health indicators for the region, including:
Global Acute Malnutrition (GAM): 21%
Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission (PMTCT) coverage: 86.3%
Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) coverage: 58.6%
Placenta disposal pit deficit: 21% of health facilities
Gazetted health facilities: 174, with more awaiting approval
Officials also discussed challenges such as drug stockouts, resource mobilization, partnerships, integrated supervision, and staffing needs.