County intensifies fight against tropical diseases through clean water projects

ISAIAH NAYIKA-KNA

The County Government of Trans Nzoia has applauded the contribution of partners in the mitigation of Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs).

Speaking on the matter, County Executive Committee Member for Health and Sanitation Christopher Lorot said the county has intensified efforts to eliminate NTDs through the implementation of safe and clean water projects.

He noted that the significant contribution of partners in the fight against the diseases cannot be ignored.

Lorot was speaking at the county headquarters while unveiling a presentation on the interventions the government has taken to deal with NTDs while collaborating with partners.

He said that safe water supply and sanitation projects in the region more so in Keiyo Ward have largely helped to eradicate NTDs like bilharzia, jiggers and intestinal worms.

“Keiyo Ward had a prevalence rate of  two per cent for bilharzia.

Through boreholes and rehabilitation of Asegam Dam, the community now has clean water and the bilharzia cases have reduced,” he said.

Lorot said, the County has set aside Sh3 million to boost water and sanitation strategies, Lorot added that the allocation will to a greater extend give a lift to the intervention efforts.

Besides prevention strategies, the county has also considered curative aspect where enough praziquantel tablets have been ordered and efforts to upgrade our laboratories to enable testing of bilharzia are underway.

Present was Trans Nzoia County NTD Coordinator Dr. Norbert Musundi who said the county government is preparing key documents including the NTD WASH coordination framework, an anti jigger strategic plan, and a school water and sanitation plan.