Kenya continues to grapple with neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), which are significantly impacting the health and livelihoods of millions, particularly in the country’s rural and impoverished areas.
NTDs, a group of infectious diseases including lymphatic filariasis (elephantiasis) schistosomiasis (Bilhazia), and trachoma, thrive in environments lacking adequate sanitation and healthcare.
Irene Chami is the Director of Programs at END Fund, a philanthropic organization dedicated to ending neglected diseases around the world. She says these diseases cause chronic illness, disability, and stigmatization, perpetuating the cycle of poverty among affected communities.
“The beauty about NTDs is that they are preventable. If interventions are targeted towards these diseases they can be prevented controlled and eliminated,” said Chami
Recent reports by the END Fund show that over 25 million Kenyans are at risk of one form of NTDA or another. Factors such as limited access to clean water, inadequate sanitation facilities, and poor health infrastructure contribute to the persistence of these diseases.
Idah Binale of the Wash Alliance Kenya an NGO focused on improving access to water, sanitation, and hygiene underscores the complexity of the issue.
“Many people do not use proper toilets and disposal of waste. And when it rains or during flooding the faeces that have been put out in the open will drain into the surface water like Rivers, unprotected wells, or springs, and when people consume the water it brings about Bilharzia and that affects our children in schools” argues Binale
Behavioral factors also contribute to the spread of neglected tropical diseases as Vincent Ouma, the Programme Manager of NTDs Programmes Amref Africa explains.
“Trachoma for instance in areas such as Kajiado is the result of an environment where animals and human beings share the same spaces. The flies move from animals to human beings transmitting the disease causing a big challenge. So, social behavior change is key to preventing NTDs.” stated Ouma
He called for awareness in the communities and dispelled the notion of witchcraft as the cause of NTDs.
“There are community members who believe that some of the NTDs are witchcraft like in the case of elephantiasis in the coastal region which causes the swelling of limbs. They are treatable and so those affected should present to health facilities.” He said
Efforts to combat NTDs have been ongoing. Mass drug administration (MDA) programs, health education initiatives, and improvements in water and sanitation infrastructure are key strategies being implemented by the Ministry of Health.
Dr. Mary Nyamongo founder of Director Africa Institute for Aid and Development who works to empower communities for better health says while progress has been made to eliminate NTDs in the country, it requires sustained effort and a holistic approach.
“To eliminate a disease, especially in the realm of NTDs we really need government leadership and community involvement. If you look at Guinea worm elimination, the community, health facilities workers together with global leadership ensured its elimination,” says Dr. Nyamongo
Kenya has confirmed 17 of the 21 NTDs recognized by the World Health Organization out of which one, the Guinea worm has been eliminated and is now under surveillance. By 2030 Kenya hopes to eliminate trachoma, lymphatic filariasis (elephantiasis) River blindness, sleeping sickness, and leprosy to be among African countries like Togo and Malawi that have eliminated more than one neglected tropical disease.
The ongoing battle against NTDs in Kenya underscores the need for a multifaceted and sustained approach. Continued commitment from both national and international stakeholders is essential to alleviate the burden of these diseases and improve the quality of life for millions of Kenyans.
