As the coffin carrying Rosebella Awuor’s body was lowered into the grave, heart-wrenching sobs echoed through the air. Her sister, Winnie Akinyi, the guardian to Awuor’s orphaned son, collapsed to the ground, her cries piercing the silence. Awuor’s death marked the fifth malaria-related fatality in her family, leaving behind her orphaned son as the only survivor. In the family’s compound in rural Migori, three other graves stood as grim reminders of the devastating impact of malaria. Awuor’s husband and their other two young children had succumbed to the disease before the age of two. Awuor’s demise in December came after a brief illness, during which she lost her five-month pregnancy.
Malaria remains a significant public health burden in Kenya, despite efforts to combat the disease. The country reported an estimated 5 million malaria cases and over 12,000 deaths in 2022, according to the World Health Organization. Children under five and pregnant women bear the brunt of the impact. Traditional methods, such as distributing mosquito nets, spraying breeding areas, and promoting prompt diagnosis and treatment, have shown limited progress in reducing malaria prevalence.
Dr. Willis Akhwale, a public health expert and special advisor to the Kenya End Malaria Council, emphasized the need for innovative treatment methods due to increasing drug resistance. He also stressed the importance of increased funding and logistical support, highlighting a funding gap of approximately $52 million in Kenya.
Local manufacturing of antimalarial drugs is a positive step towards reducing dependency on imports. The Kenya-based Universal Corporation Limited recently received approval from the WHO to produce an antimalarial drug known as Spaq. This approval represents a significant milestone in Africa’s capacity to produce lifesaving medications.
Despite these advancements, challenges remain in ensuring timely access to effective malaria treatment. Wilson Otieno, a father of three, has been hospitalized for malaria three times and has received countless outpatient treatments. As a 33-year-old accountant, he finds the cost of treatment burdensome.
The tragedy of Rosebella Awuor’s family underscores the urgent need for continued efforts to combat malaria in Kenya. Innovative treatment methods, increased funding, and enhanced logistical support are crucial to save lives and prevent further devastation.
