Kenya is stepping up its fight against malaria with a new treatment approach and a renewed focus on research and innovation.
The country is rolling out what is known as Multiple First-Line Therapies (MFT), a strategy aimed at keeping malaria drugs effective for longer, slowing down resistance, and improving treatment outcomes for patients.
The progress was shared during discussions at the World Health Summit Regional Meeting, where leaders and experts are looking at ways to strengthen Africa’s response to malaria.
Addressing participants during the forum, Muthoni revealed that the strategy shows a marked departure in the way that Kenya is dealing with the malaria menace.
The country, according to Muthoni, is strengthening its research capabilities through collaboration with organizations like the Kenya Medical Research Institute.
“Kenya is well poised to be able to conduct clinical research, experiment, and enhance the implementation of the health programs,” said Muthoni.
For the new malaria intervention strategy to succeed, she noted, there will need to be strong monitoring and collaboration among stakeholders involved.
Also, the researcher noted, it was imperative to invest heavily in the research efforts of African countries and their scientific organizations.
This is because African institutions should take the lead in the efforts to find a solution to the problems facing the continent.
In addition, more laboratories will be required to aid in the surveillance activities of the strategy.
