CoG to distribute anti-malaria drugs in hard hit counties

Counties hardest hit by malaria outbreak will receive additional drugs from Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA), the Council of Governors Chair Josphat Nanok has said.

Speaking to the media at Afya House after the signing of a return-to work-formula  clinical officers, Turkana Governor Nanok said that the council is doing its best to contain the situation in partnership with the Ministry of Health.

“We are requisitioning additional drugs from KEMSA, but the Health ministry is also  providing support to those counties in need of extra anti-malarial drugs,” said Nanok.

The CoG chairman also added that difficulties in addressing the malaria outbreak was as a result of combined factors depending on the situation and not necessarily the nurses’ strike.

“In some counties it is insecurity or insufficient personnel while in others it is accessibility. So it is not necessarily the nurses strike as it has been a chronic problem before,” Nanok said.

At least 13 were reported dead in Baringo County on October 4, with the malaria outbreak also affecting the counties of Lamu, West Pokot, Marsabit and Turkana.