Inside Nightingale Hospital in Kisumu, malaria patients are in dire need of access to treatment. Public hospitals in the region often face drug shortages, while private facilities charge high fees, making care unaffordable for many.
Wilson Otieno, a 33-year-old accountant and father, has been hospitalized multiple times for malaria and undergone numerous outpatient treatments. The costs in Kisumu are significant, leading many patients to opt for private care, which is faster and of better quality but comes at a higher price.
Lenser Pauline, a regular at the hospital with her young daughter for malaria treatment, highlights the financial burden of frequent and costly treatments. For patients like her coming from distant areas, transportation expenses further add to the financial strain.
Medical officer Oswal Omondi expresses the frustrations of both health workers and patients regarding the unavailability and high costs of essential medicines. Despite prescriptions for appropriate treatments, patients often face obstacles such as medicine scarcity or unaffordable prices.
Malaria does not discriminate based on social status and remains a deadly threat to people from all backgrounds. Humphrey Kizito Otieno, Head of Mortality Surveillance at KEMRI, shares his personal loss of parents and siblings to the disease, emphasizing how cultural beliefs sometimes delay timely medical interventions.
While challenges persist, there have been strides in local production of vital medicines. Kenya’s Universal Corporation Limited has obtained WHO approval to produce a crucial anti-malaria drug, showcasing Africa’s commitment to enhancing its capacity in manufacturing life-saving medications.
Dean of the Faculty of Pharmacy at Mount Kenya University, Michael Mungoma, stresses the urgency of increased investment in drug manufacturing to tackle diseases prevalent in low- and middle-income countries. Reducing reliance on imported medicines, especially for conditions like malaria, is vital for ensuring sustainable access to quality healthcare in vulnerable regions like Africa.
Although there have been advancements, such as Kenya’s involvement in a major malaria vaccine pilot program, malaria continues to pose a significant public health challenge. On World Malaria Day, observed on April 25th, Kenya reaffirms its dedication to combating this disease and offers hope for a future where malaria’s detrimental effects are eradicated.