politics

Malaria is still killing people in Kenya, but a vaccine and local drug production may help

Font size+Author:Global Gaze news portalSource:sport2024-05-08 05:07:16I want to comment(0)

MIGORI, Kenya (AP) — As the coffin bearing the body of Rosebella Awuor was lowered into the grave, h

MIGORI, Kenya (AP) — As the coffin bearing the body of Rosebella Awuor was lowered into the grave, heart-wrenching sobs from mourners filled the air. Her sister Winnie Akinyi, the guardian to Awuor’s orphaned son, fell to the ground, wailing.

It was the latest of five deaths in this family attributed to malaria. The disease is common in Kenya, and it is preventable and curable, but poverty makes it deadly for those who can’t afford treatment.

In the family’s compound in the western county of Migori, three other graves are visible, that of Awuor’s husband and their other two children who died from malaria before the age of 2.

Awuor, 31, fell ill in December and lost her five-month pregnancy before succumbing to malaria. Her 11-year-old son is the family’s only survivor.

Malaria is still a significant public health challenge in Kenya, though some progress may be coming. Parts of Kenya participated in an important pilot of the world’s first malaria vaccine, with a reported drop in deaths for children under 5. Kenya’s health ministry hasn’t said when the vaccine will be widely available.

Related articles
  • Chicago Sky rookie Kamilla Cardoso out at least a month with a shoulder injury

    Chicago Sky rookie Kamilla Cardoso out at least a month with a shoulder injury

    2024-05-08 03:34

  • Nelly Furtado wears NO underwear in racy lace

    Nelly Furtado wears NO underwear in racy lace

    2024-05-08 03:26

  • The US ambassador to Japan says boosting arms industry ties is key to a stronger security alliance

    The US ambassador to Japan says boosting arms industry ties is key to a stronger security alliance

    2024-05-08 03:06

  • Weedkiller manufacturer seeks lawmakers' help to squelch claims it failed to warn about cancer

    Weedkiller manufacturer seeks lawmakers' help to squelch claims it failed to warn about cancer

    2024-05-08 02:31

Netizen comments