Wajir County in north-eastern Kenya that has been the spell of Kala-azar disease since September has announced positive progress in containing infections that have claimed at least 30 lives.

The steady progress in the fight against Kala-azar outbreak has resulted in more patients being discharged from hospital than those being admitted, according to Governor Ahmed Abdullahis.

Speaking during a health intervention event held on in Wajir Town, Abdullahi attributed the gains to a collaboration between county and national health agencies, which has led to improved case management and rapid response.

“Today, we are seeing signs of hope. The number of patients being treated and discharged has surpassed new admissions, a strong indication that our efforts are bearing fruit,” said Governor Abdullahi.

During the event, the county received a blood testing machine from the Kenya Blood and Transplant Services (KBTS) to enhance diagnostic accuracy of Kala-azar patients.

The equipment is expected to assist doctors in identifying precise treatment protocols, thereby reducing delays and complications. The governor also highlighted the establishment of a satellite blood bank in Wajir, terming it a game-changer in the county’s public health response.

“Access to blood and timely testing has been one of our greatest challenges. With this new facility and equipment, our health teams are better equipped to manage Kala-azar,” he noted.

Since the onset of the outbreak in September last year, over 600 people have been infected and the disease had by Friday, April 11, 2025, claimed about 30 lives. The most affected areas include Eldas and Wajir West sub-counties, where more than 106 patents are currently receiving treatment.

The Ministry of Health has deployed three mobile laboratories to patrol the worst-hit areas. These units, fitted with modern diagnostic tools, are helping to reach patients who would otherwise struggle to access care due to the vastness and poor infrastructure in the region.

Mamo Umoro, head of KBTS, handed over the equipment during the event, reaffirming the government’s commitment to strengthening regional health systems.

In addition to clinical interventions, the Wajir County health department has launched a 10-day vector control campaign targeting more than 6,000 households. The campaign involves fumigation and spraying exercises aimed at curbing the spread of sandflies, which transmit the disease.

Kala-azar, also known as visceral leishmaniosis, primarily affects children under five and the elderly and is attributed unstable immunity. It presents with symptoms such as prolonged fever, weight loss and loss of appetite. Experts have linked the spike in infections to recent flooding, which has created ideal breeding conditions for sandflies.

The disease is classified as a neglected tropical illness and is endemic in Kenya’s arid and semi-arid regions, including Wajir, Turkana, Garissa and Baringo.

Governor Abdullahi reiterated the county’s commitment to eliminating the disease, noting that while challenges remain, the current interventions are a strong step toward defeating the outbreak and safeguarding public health.

• A Tell Media / KNA report / By Hamdi Buthul