Wajir, Kenya| Wajir County has recorded a landmark achievement in its healthcare system, becoming the first county in Kenya to acquire advanced blood processing technology, including a state-of-the-art apheresis machine.
This move, Governor Ahmed Abdullahi says, is a monumental step toward transforming emergency care and managing critical diseases such as Kala-azar, obstetric hemorrhage, and severe anemia.
Speaking after hosting top officials from the Ministry of Health, including Mamo Umuro, OGW, and Alice Mbui, Governor Abdullahi announced the commissioning of the new blood processing equipment.
He hailed the collaboration between the county government and national health authorities as a model for strengthening devolved healthcare systems.
“This is a major milestone for Wajir. The acquisition of this equipment is not just a technological advancement—it is a lifeline for communities that have long struggled with access to timely and quality healthcare,” the Governor stated.
According to Abdullahi, the new apheresis machine and associated tools will drastically reduce delays in emergency blood transfusions, a persistent challenge in remote and underserved areas of the county.
The equipment is particularly crucial in managing Kala-azar, a parasitic disease that has plagued Wajir’s arid communities, often with deadly consequences.
Turning the Tide Against Kala-azar
The announcement comes amid growing optimism in the county’s efforts to contain the ongoing Kala-azar outbreak, which has infected over 600 people since September last year and claimed at least 29 lives.
Eldas and Wajir West sub-counties remain the most affected, with 106 active cases currently under treatment.
Speaking at a health intervention event held in Wajir Town, Governor Abdullahi revealed that recoveries are now outpacing new infections, signaling a turning point in the county’s fight against the disease.
“Today, we are seeing signs of hope. The number of patients being treated and discharged has surpassed new admissions, a strong indication that our efforts are bearing fruit,” he said.
The Kenya Blood and Transplant Services (KBTS) has donated a new blood testing machine to the county, aimed at enhancing diagnostic accuracy for Kala-azar cases.
Mamo Umuro, Head of Blood Services at KBTS, handed over the equipment, reaffirming the national government’s commitment to strengthening healthcare delivery at the grassroots.
Additionally, Wajir has established a satellite blood bank to improve access to transfusion services.
Governor Abdullahi described this facility as a “game-changer,” particularly in addressing emergencies in remote regions where access to medical care is hampered by poor infrastructure and vast distances.
Integrated Response and Community-Based Interventions
The Ministry of Health has deployed three mobile laboratories to Kala-azar hotspots, equipped with modern diagnostic tools to identify and treat cases swiftly.
These units are vital in reaching isolated populations, especially during the current rainy season, which has worsened road conditions across the county.
The Wajir County Health Department has also launched a 10-day vector control campaign targeting over 6,000 households.
The exercise includes widespread fumigation and insecticide spraying aimed at curbing the spread of sandflies—the primary vector of Kala-azar.
Health experts warn that the recent floods have exacerbated the outbreak by creating optimal breeding environments for sandflies.
Children under five and the elderly remain the most vulnerable, often suffering from severe symptoms such as prolonged fever, weight loss, and appetite loss.
Kala-azar, also known as visceral leishmaniasis, is classified as a neglected tropical disease and is endemic in Kenya’s arid and semi-arid regions, including Wajir, Turkana, Garissa, and Baringo.
Toward a Healthier Future for All
Governor Abdullahi emphasized that these gains reflect a broader commitment to equitable healthcare access for all residents, especially those in marginalized and hard-to-reach areas.
“We are committed to ensuring that no one is left behind. This achievement marks just the beginning of a sustained push to build a resilient, inclusive, and quality health system across Wajir,” he said.
While challenges remain—including logistical barriers and intermittent resource constraints—the Governor expressed confidence that continued collaboration with the national government and international partners will ultimately lead to the elimination of Kala-azar and a stronger public health framework in the region.
As Wajir positions itself as a leader in rural health innovation, its recent milestones serve as a powerful example of what coordinated, well-resourced, and community-driven public health strategies can achieve in Kenya’s devolved governance era.
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