Nairobi: The country has intensified efforts to eliminate malaria as a public health threat following the roll-out of the Kenya Malaria Strategy 2023-2027, even as it joined the rest of the world in marking World Malaria Day.
According to Kenya News Agency, the strategy, anchored under the national Zero Malaria campaign, provides a comprehensive roadmap aimed at reducing infections and ultimately eliminating the disease. This approach focuses on vulnerable populations while sustaining gains achieved over the years.
Speaking in Gichugu, Kirinyaga County, during the World Malaria Day commemoration, Public Health Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni highlighted Kenya’s notable progress in combating malaria, with prevalence rates dropping significantly in recent years. She pointed out that malaria cases have declined from 8 per cent to 6 per cent, attributing the improvement to sustained interventions such as vector control, widespread distribution of insecticide-treated mosquito nets, and improved access to diagnosis and treatment services.
‘Kenya has achieved a major milestone in reducing malaria burden through deliberate and coordinated efforts. However, we must now shift focus to elimination through strengthened prevention and early intervention,’ she stated.
The Principal Secretary added that the government has distributed more than 14.6 million long-lasting insecticidal nets and expanded indoor residual spraying in malaria-endemic regions, significantly reducing transmission rates. Despite the progress, Muthoni cautioned that malaria remains a major concern in high-burden areas, particularly in western Kenya and the coastal region, where environmental and climatic conditions continue to support mosquito breeding.
She emphasized the need for targeted interventions in such regions, alongside innovative approaches to enhance surveillance and response systems. According to Muthoni, integrating digital technology into malaria control programmes will improve data collection, monitoring, and timely response to outbreaks.
‘Effective use of data will enable us to detect cases early and deploy resources efficiently to areas of greatest need,’ she mentioned.
The strategy is anchored on four key pillars: enhancing health equity; promoting innovation, including vaccine roll-out; increasing domestic financing; and integrating digital technologies into malaria control efforts. Muthoni also underscored the importance of strengthening community engagement through community health promoters, noting that grassroots involvement is essential in prevention, early diagnosis, and treatment.
‘Community health promoters remain central in this fight. By empowering them, we are able to reach households directly and ensure no case goes undetected,’ she added. She called on county governments to take a leading role in implementing the strategy, urging increased investment in healthcare systems and stronger partnerships to sustain gains and accelerate progress toward elimination.
Kirinyaga Deputy Governor David Githanda stated that the county has made significant strides in reducing malaria cases through targeted interventions, including the distribution of mosquito nets and provision of free treatment in public health facilities. He noted that Kirinyaga has recorded relatively low malaria cases compared to other regions but remains vigilant.
However, Githanda pointed out that certain areas remain at higher risk due to environmental factors. He cited parts of Gichugu, particularly around Thiba Dam, and sections of the Mwea irrigation scheme as hotspots due to stagnant water that provides breeding grounds for mosquitoes. The county government is implementing targeted vector control measures in these areas, alongside intensified public awareness campaigns to educate residents on preventive practices.
Both leaders urged residents to take personal responsibility in the fight against malaria by consistently using mosquito nets, eliminating stagnant water around their homes, and seeking prompt medical attention when symptoms occur. ‘Malaria is preventable and treatable. No one should lose their life to a disease we can control,’ Muthoni emphasized.
The rallying call ‘Zero Malaria: Kaunti Zetu, Jamii Zetu, Wakati Wetu’ continues to guide national efforts, underscoring the importance of collective action in achieving a malaria-free Kenya.
