Kisumu County Launches Malaria Prevention Campaign in Schools

KISUMU—A significant malaria prevention initiative targeting schoolchildren was inaugurated in Kisumu County, with the government joining forces with Maisha Meds and other stakeholders. The campaign aims to address the high prevalence of malaria in the region, focusing initially on five local schools.

According to Kenya News Agency, the campaign is a collaborative effort with the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Health, reflecting a unified strategy against malaria in Kisumu, identified as a high-risk area. The initiative will provide malaria testing kits and antimalarial medications directly to schools, streamlining the process for early detection and treatment.

The program, detailed by health expert Grace Jobita from Maisha Meds, plans to reach over 15,000 students in its pilot phase, integrating health interventions within the educational settings of Kisumu Girls, Kisumu Boys, Ahero Girls, Onjiko Boys, and Nyakach Girls High Schools. This approach is designed to minimize the disruption to students’ education caused by malaria-related absenteeism.

Jacktone Nyangre, the Kisumu County Director of Education, expressed his support for the campaign, emphasizing its potential to significantly reduce the time students spend seeking medical attention for malaria. By enabling testing and treatment within schools, the initiative not only prioritizes students’ health but also their academic engagement.

This pilot program in Kisumu County is seen as a model for potential expansion, with the success of the initial phase expected to inform broader strategies to combat malaria across the region and potentially beyond. Stakeholders are hopeful that this integrated approach will mark a significant step forward in public health and education collaboration.