Senator Chute raises concerns on the outbreak of Kala-Azar in Marsabit County

𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐢𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐁𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 
𝐓𝐡𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝐅𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝟐𝟕, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓.

Rising pursuant to Standing Order 53 (1), Marsabit County Senator Mohamed Chute has sought a statement from the Standing

Committee on Health regarding the outbreak of kala-azar, also known as visceral leishmaniasis, in Marsabit County.

"This outbreak has sparked serious public health concerns because kala azar, if left untreated or not treated properly, causes severe organ damage and is fatal in over 95% of cases, according to the World Health Organization (WHO)." Sen. Chute stated.

In the Statement, the Committee should provide details on the outbreak of kala-azar in Marsabit County, specifying when the first case was reported, the total number of reported cases, and the affected areas.

Senator Chute has also requested the committee to outline actions taken to control further spread of the disease, including details on the medical equipment, supplies and personnel deployed in response to the outbreak, stating whether the County Government of Marsabit has made a request to the National Government for additional resources and, if so, whether the request has been fulfilled; and disclose the budgetary allocation by the National and County Governments for initiatives to address the outbreak, indicating whether the allocations are contained in the previously approved budgets or were allocated on emergency basis.

Finally, the Senator Mandago led committee should provide details on any foreign donor support received in support of the initiatives to counter the outbreak; and state whether there are plans to undertake fumigation in the affected areas as it is the most effective control measure and, if so, provide a timeline for the same.