The Ministry of Health is set to conduct a second phase of Seasonal Malaria Chemoprevention (SMC) in Turkana Central Subcounty in June.
This is after the first phase was implemented in 2024 after the subcounty recorded 102,000 malaria cases with 60 per cent occurring between May and September.
Seasonal malaria chemoprevention (SMC) is the intermittent administration of a curative dose of antimalarial medicine to children at high risk of severe malaria living in areas with seasonal transmission, regardless of whether they are infected with malaria.
SMC was recommended in 2012 by the World Health Organisation as a safe and cost-effective strategy to complement other control activities, such as vector control measures, prompt diagnosis and treatment of confirmed cases.
Public Health Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni on Saturday said the second phase will integrate a digital campaign approach using the Electronic Community Health Information System (eCHIS) platform.
“Data from both 2024 and 2025 campaigns will guide future expansion and implementation strategies to enhance the impact of malaria prevention efforts,” Muthoni said.
According to the ministry, Turkana County has experienced a transition from a largely seasonal malaria burden to a more stable endemic pattern, with some regions still exhibiting seasonal peaks.
An assessment by the National Malaria Control Programme, Turkana County Government, Moi University and Duke University revealed a more than 65 per cent increase in malaria cases during the rainy season.
The ministry has intensified interventions in an efforts to combat malaria, which include distribution of insecticide-treated nets(ITNs), improved malaria case management and the introduction of targeted prevention strategies such as Indoor Residual Spraying (IRS) and SMC.
Seasonal Malaria Chemoprevention (SMC) was launched in June 2024 with the support from Catholic Relief Services (CRS).
The campaign targeted 38,585 children under five years to prevent malaria episodes during peak periods.
The campaign conducted in five cycles each spaced 28 days apart saw 27,206 (71 per cent) of the targeted children complete all the five doses.
Cycle one saw a coverage of 33,820 (88 per cent) of children, 39,229 (101 per cent) in cycle two, 36,741 (95 per cent) in cycle three, 38,924 (100 per cent) in cycle four and 40,123 (104 per cent) in cycle 5.
This reduced malaria incidence by 71 per cent.
Malaria remains a major public health concern in Kenya, with the country reporting approximately 5.5 million cases in 2023.
This translates to an incidence rate of 104 cases per 1,000 population, with the highest burden being concentrated in six counties; Busia, Kakamega, Kisumu, Migori, Siaya and Vihiga.
The six high-burden counties have an adjusted malaria incidence of 748 cases per 1,000 population.
“Additionally, Bungoma, Homa Bay, Kwale, Turkana and West Pokot Counties recorded an incidence rate of 474 cases per 1,000 people,” Muthoni said.
In 2024, IRS was conducted in Busia and Migori Counties with support from the US Government through the President’s Malaria Initiative (PMI).
“The initiative targeted high transmission areas, ensuring that 423,037 structures were sprayed out of the 444,890 eligible structures,” Muthoni said.
According to Muthoni, the coverage in Busia and Migori Counties reached 95.1 per cent and 95 per cent respectively, surpassing the WHO recommended effectiveness of 85 per cent.
“This intervention provided protection to approximately two million people. Notably, malaria incidence in Busia County declined significantly by 50 per cent, dropping from 746 cases per 1,000 population to 358 per 1,000 in 2024.”
The PS reiterated the ministry’s commitment to strengthen malaria control interventions and ensure that all high-burden regions receive the necessary support to eliminate malaria as a public health concern.
