•Senate Health Committee Tasked with Addressing Crisis
Marsabit Senator Mohamed Chute has sounded the alarm over a growing kala-azar (visceral leishmaniasis) outbreak in Marsabit County, urging immediate intervention to contain the disease and prevent further fatalities.
Addressing the Senate, Chute emphasized the urgency of the situation, warning that if left untreated, kala-azar has a high fatality rate and could escalate into a full-blown public health crisis.
In his statement, the senator formally requested the Standing Committee on Health, chaired by Senator Jackson Mandago, to provide a detailed report on the extent of the outbreak, response measures taken so far, and the resources allocated by both county and national governments.
He also called for emergency funding to support medical interventions, the disclosure of donor contributions, and the immediate fumigation of affected areas to curb the spread of the disease.
Understanding Kala-Azar and Its Impact
Kala-azar, or visceral leishmaniasis, is a severe parasitic disease transmitted through the bite of infected sandflies.
It primarily affects internal organs, including the liver, spleen, and bone marrow, leading to symptoms such as persistent fever, weight loss, severe anemia, and an enlarged spleen. If not treated promptly, the disease can be fatal.
Marsabit County, with its arid climate and high sandfly populations, has been particularly vulnerable to kala-azar outbreaks.
The disease disproportionately affects marginalized communities with limited access to healthcare, making early detection and treatment challenging.
Government Response and Health Concerns
The Health Committee, led by Senator Mandago, is expected to provide a comprehensive response on the outbreak and ongoing containment efforts.
The committee’s findings will be critical in determining the scale of government intervention needed, including the provision of essential medicines, increased vector control measures, and improved public health awareness campaigns.
Health experts have stressed the need for proactive disease surveillance and intensified community education to prevent further infections.
The outbreak has also highlighted the chronic healthcare challenges in northern Kenya, where limited medical infrastructure and shortages of healthcare personnel make it difficult to manage such public health threats effectively.
Calls for International Support
Given the severity of the outbreak, Senator Chute has also urged for greater collaboration with international health organizations, donor agencies, and NGOs to mobilize resources for the response.
Kala-azar remains one of the world’s most neglected tropical diseases, and effective treatment often depends on timely access to antifungal medications and supportive care.
As the situation unfolds, the Senate and health authorities will be under pressure to act swiftly to contain the outbreak and prevent further loss of life.
The coming days will be crucial in determining how well the government can respond to yet another public health challenge facing the region.
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