Kenya is stepping up efforts to wipe out malaria as the country prepares to mark World Malaria Day in Kirinyaga County.
Public Health Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni visited the county ahead of the event, where she met local leaders to discuss how to sustain the progress already made in the fight against the disease.
During the meeting with County Commissioner Mr Alasow, the focus was on strengthening how malaria cases are tracked and ensuring quick action is taken, especially when infections are brought in from other regions.
Health authorities claim that even though Kenya has done well, there is the need to always be on high alert to prevent any increase in cases.
Kirinyaga is among counties in the Mount Kenya region that have recorded almost zero local malaria infections. Others in this group include Nyeri, Nyandarua and Laikipia.
Kirinyaga County has a lab where testing, tracking, and action is taken on malaria infections, making the area crucial in Kenya’s fight against malaria.
The forthcoming celebrations of World Malaria Day are going to mark the success Kenya has achieved, as well as the lessons learned from the successful counties in order to work towards being malaria-free.
Close cooperation between the national and county governments is vital in ensuring Kenya does not reverse its successes so far.
