BUSIA, Kenya — In a concerted effort to address the high malaria prevalence rate of 39 percent in Busia, local authorities have initiated an Indoor Residual Spraying (IRS) campaign. Deputy Governor Arthur Odera, speaking to the media, underscored the significance of this initiative in reducing malaria-related fatalities, especially among children under five years old. The campaign, a collaboration between the Ministry of Health, the US President’s Malaria Initiative (PMI), and the Busia County Government, commenced on February 1 as a strategic measure to alleviate the malaria burden in the region.
According to Kenya News Agency, the IRS method has previously demonstrated substantial efficacy in reducing malaria rates in counties such as Homa Bay and Migori. “We are happy because this is a proven method of reducing Malaria that has been applied with a lot of success in Homa Bay and Migori Counties. We understand that when we eliminate vectors of malaria, then we will greatly reduce malaria,” Odera explained. The goal for Busia County is to decrease the malaria prevalence from 39 percent to below 25 percent through this year’s spraying campaign, with aspirations to further minimize the disease’s impact in subsequent years.
Odera, who also serves as the County Executive for Health and Sanitation, addressed concerns and misconceptions about the spraying program, including unfounded claims that the chemicals used could lead to sterilization in men and barrenness in women. He reassured the public about the safety of the spraying process, emphasizing that the pesticides pose no risk if not directly contacted while wet or in a gaseous state, thanks to the protective gear worn by spraying operators.
The county government has played a pivotal role in supporting the IRS campaign by providing storage for materials, supplying medicines for potential allergic reactions, and ensuring the presence of supervisors, Community Health Promoters (CHPs), and security personnel. The spraying initiative, which was officially launched on January 31, will continue until February 27, 2024, across six Sub Counties: Teso South, Nambale, Matayos, Butula, Samia, and Bunyala. Teso North will join the campaign on February 7, 2024, following a resolution of technical issues.
This IRS campaign responds to the significant health challenge posed by malaria in Busia, as highlighted by the 2020 Kenya Malaria Indicator Survey (KMIS). Malaria accounts for 40 percent of outpatient cases and 13 percent of all deaths in the county, with approximately 685,243 residents diagnosed and treated for the disease annually. Residents, such as Jesicca Ajiambo from Bumina Village and George Asembo, the Assistant Chief of Bubango Sub Location, have welcomed the initiative, recognizing its potential to reduce the burden of malaria and improve community health and daily life.