Eldas MP raises alarm over Kala-Azar outbreak in Wajir County
Thursday, 10 April, 2025
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Eldas MP, Hon. (Dr.) Aden Keynan has raised concerns about an outbreak of the Kala-Azar disease affecting Wajir County.
Speaking in the National Assembly Chamber, Hon. Keynan requested a Statement from the Departmental Committee on Health regarding the escalating health crisis. He specifically highlighted the impact on his constituency of Eldas, as well as Wajir East Constituency and other areas within Wajir County.
"Honorable Speaker, I wish to request for a Statement from the Departmental Committee on Health regarding the outbreak of the Kala-Azar disease in Wajir County, particularly my constituency of Eldas," Hon. Keynan stated.
The legislator stated that Kala-Azar, a disease transmitted by sand flies, has developed into a major public health emergency, posing a substantial threat to lives, livelihoods, and the healthcare infrastructure in the region.
"This has now become a recurring outbreak that has exposed the vulnerability of the healthcare system, including the shortage of beds, testing kits, and medical supplies," the Eldas MP asserted.
Hon. Keynan further pointed out that the disease has severely disrupted the daily lives of residents, forcing many to undertake long journeys to access medical treatment.
Through the Health Committee, Hon. Keynan sought urgent answers from the Ministry of Health on several critical issues, key among them, the true extent of the outbreak, confirmation of the number of confirmed cases, and the reported fatalities resulting from the disease.
"The Chairperson should provide this House with a detailed report on the emergency response measures being implemented to contain the spread of the virus and the government's plans to provide adequate treatment and strategies for preventing further infections," Hon. Keynan urged.
Echoing Hon. Keynan's concerns, Marsabit County MP, Hon. Naomi Waqo, stated, "Just last week, we tragically lost approximately nine lives in Marsabit to this disease. We cannot continue to suffer from this disease, which has persisted in Marsabit for the past year."
The Speaker of the session, Ugenya MP, Hon. David Ochieng directed the Health Committee to avail a report to the House before Tuesday next week terming the matter as βurgent and of great importanceβ.