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By John Kabubu
World Vision is providing assistance in various areas of Kenya's northwest region of Turkana, which has been hit hard by an outbreak of cholera.
It has airlifted medical supplies and personnel to the area to help contain the outbreak.
World Vision has helped to set up several static and mobile treatment centres within and around Lokori, while also helping to create awareness on the importance of good hygiene. It is running a mobile treatment centre in Kakolngatuny, Turkana East district, a remote area inaccessible by road.
“When we came to Kakolngatuny village, many people here were sick and in need of treatment, said Romano Korodi Funo, a World Vision community nurse. The village is located more than 40 kilometres away from the nearest health centre.
Cholera is continuing to spread quickly in Turkana, with the areas of Katilia, Lokubae, Lokori, Kapedo and Morulem at great risk of infection. More medical supplies urgently needed
According to Thomas Okollah of World Vision Kenya, an urgent supply of medicine is required to help contain the disease."We urgently need drugs and medical supplies to be used in both static and mobile centres for patients’ care," Okollah said.
In the last one month alone, more than 119 people have died from cholera throughout Kenya. The main challenge continues to be accessibility to affected people and areas as some of them are far-flung and hard to reach.
Kenya's public health and sanitation minister Beth Mugo has attributed the increase in cases of cholera to lack of water, poor sanitation systems and poverty.
"We are currently helping respond to this worrying situation, but we continue to face numerous challenges," said World Vision Kenya's senior adviser Nicholas Wasunna.
"There is a shortage of cholera kits, and other essential medical supplies, rehydration supplies, antibiotics, gloves and other assorted supplies.The disease is also spreading quickly due to the consistent movement of a highly nomadic population and unprotected water sources which are in the interior and inaccessible."
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