Malaria mortality in Lake Region reduced by 50 pct

The improvement was announced after a complete evaluation which was carried out by Amref Health Africa and the Ministry of Health in Bungoma, Busia, Homabay, Kakamega, Kisii, Kisumu, Migori, Nyamira, Siaya and Vihiga counties.

Lake region in Kenya witnessed a reduction in the costs pertaining to Malaria diagnosis and its treatment services. This is due to the services initiated by Community Health Workers (CHWs) for the people living in that area.

The improvement was announced after a complete evaluation which was carried out by Amref Health Africa and the Ministry of Health in Bungoma, Busia, Homabay, Kakamega, Kisii, Kisumu, Migori, Nyamira, Siaya and Vihiga counties.

The finding were a part of Global Fund Malaria Project implemented through 16 sub recipients in the period of 2012 to 2017. The aim for the evaluation was to access reasons responsible for high malaria-related morbidity and mortality in the region.

Amref Global Fund Malaria Project Manager, Mr. Jared Oule said: "Amref Health Africa is privileged to be the non-state recipient of the Global Fund Malaria grant. Through the project, we have been able to reach many people in the communities with malaria-related information and come up with interventions to strengthen health systems, especially at the community level. This helps in advancing Kenya towards Universal Health Coverage."

He further added: "CHWs are key for us to ensure that we are able to eradicate and monitor diseases especially in communities where poverty levels are high, they are easily able to integrate and have the confidence of the people. That is why Amref Health Africa continues to advocate for them to be integrated fully into the health system."