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Malaria killed over 200 in Kisii in January - minister

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Published on Saturday, 07 July 2007 23:45
The malaria outbreak in Kisii District has claimed more than 200 lives since January, Health Minister Jackson Kalweo says.Studies by medical experts, Mr. Kalweo said, had established that self-medication and the tendency by area residents to seek medical care from quacks had led to high incidence of deaths.


"It is unfortunate to note that most sufferers opt to seek medical care in bona fide hospitals after failing to be cured through self- medication or after visiting the quacks and herbalists or when their conditions get worse."The ministry, he added, had intensified health education campaigns aimed at discouraging residents from seeking treatment from the quacks.

"At the same time, the experts were encouraging those affected to seek prompt medical attention in proper health institutions in a bid to stem the increased cases".The minister said he plans to visit the district on a fact-finding mission on Friday.

Mr. Kalweo was addressing the Press after receiving the Burundian Ambassador to Kenya, Mr. Nakaha Stanislas in his Afya House office, Nairobi.

During the courtesy call, the minister was accompanied by his assistant ministers, Dr Abdullahi Wako and Mr. James Koskei, the permanent secretary, Mr. Philemon Mwaisaka and the Director of Medical Services, Prof Julius Meme, among others.

Responding to a request by the envoy, Mr. Kalweo said Kenya was willing to receive Burundian patients who sought specialised treatment.

Mr. Nakaha had earlier complained that patients from his country seeking specialised treatment were forced to travel abroad for the same.