Category: General

The Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) and research partners have unveiled a major health study milestone on a new drug able to reduce malaria rates among pregnant women living with HIV.

KEMRI Ag. Director General, Prof. Elijah Songok said the published results positively indicate that the new drug has very good potential to prevent malaria during pregnancy for HIV-positive women.

Prof. Songok expressed his satisfaction during the release of the study Tuesday 16, 2024 adding; ‘we celebrate these findings that propose an additional arsenal against a disease that risks about 70 per cent of our population’.

He explained that malaria in pregnancy can cause a host of serious health complications, including; miscarriage, stillbirth, pre-term delivery and growth restriction of newborn babies and co-infection with HIV increases these risks.

In this latest study, Prof. Songok added, a series of trials coordinated by the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine (LSTM), the Kamuzu University of Health Sciences,
and the Malawi University of Science and Technology found that malaria during pregnancy can cause serious maternal and newborn health issues, especially in women living with HIV.

However, the study christened, ‘IMPROVE-2,’ and published in The Lancet suggests that the addition of the antimalarial drug dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine to daily co-trimoxazole significantly reduces the risk of malaria in pregnancy.

It further explored alternative options to prevent malaria in pregnant women without HIV, which established that out of several antimalarials, dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine was the only one tolerated well enough to be considered for malaria prevention.

‘Until now, no suitable alternative preventive treatment has been identified for pregnant women living with HIV. The currently recommended treatment for malaria prevention in pregnant women living with HIV is a daily dose of co-trimoxazole, an antibiotic prescribed to prevent opportunistic infections in HIV patients as it also has antimalarial propert
ies,” the report stated.

To safeguard the precious lives of expectant women residing in areas with high malaria transmission, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends daily doses of the antibiotic co-trimoxazole.

However, Prof Songok is a worried man arguing that ‘the efficacy levels of co-trimoxazole in sub-Saharan Africa is threatened because malaria parasites are becoming increasingly resistant to the drug.”

This confirms the WHO 2017 position that daily unsupervised co-trimoxazole provided only partial protection against malaria for women living with HIV in areas with high-grade resistance and highlighted the need for research of new strategies for malaria prevention in pregnancy.

WHO reports that 25 million pregnant women are highly at risk for malaria, and the disease accounts for over 10,000 maternal and 200,000 neonatal deaths annually.

The global health body further indicates that approximately 39 million (33.1-45.7 million) people were living with HIV in 2022. This translates to 37.5 mi
llion adults, 1.5 million children (below 15 years) and 53 percent accounted for women and girls.

The National Syndemic Diseases Control Council (NSDCC) report in 2016 stated that women accounted for 910,000 of the 1.6 million people living with HIV in Kenya. Similarly, reports from the Centre for Disease Control (CDC), estimate that 3.5 million new clinical cases and 10,700 deaths each year, and those living in Western Kenya are highly at risk of malaria.

In a related study, the Kenya Malaria Indicator Survey (2020 KMIS) stated that malaria is a significant health problem in Kenya with more than 70 percent of the population being at risk of malaria, including those vulnerable to the disease, specifically children and pregnant women.

The 2020 KMIS findings point out that the high-risk levels include 13 million people in malaria-endemic areas (lake and coastal regions), and another 19 million in highland epidemic-prone areas (lies 1,500 metres above sea level), and seasonal transmission areas.

Prof. Feiko
Kuile of Tropical Epidemiology at LSTM and the study lead observed that the findings are promising and potentially a piece of welcoming news in the future of malaria prevention among pregnant women living with HIV in areas where the prevalence of the disease is high.

Prof. Kuile reiterated that based on their trial outcomes, pregnant women living with HIV who received the combination of monthly dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine to daily co-trimoxazole had 68 percent less malaria during pregnancy than those who got the standard daily co-trimoxazole alone.

Researchers enrolled 904 women into the trial and randomly assigned them to each group. They were assessed as to whether the addition of monthly dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine to daily co-trimoxazole is more effective at preventing malaria infection than a monthly placebo plus daily co-trimoxazole in women living with HIV.

These findings are very encouraging as we not only found the addition was safe and prevented two out of every three malaria infections dur
ing pregnancy, but it was also very well tolerated by pregnant women, which is very important when a drug is given for prevention.

This is according to Dr. Hellen Barsosio, a Clinical Research Scientist from the KEMRI’s Centre for Global Health Research (CGHR), and lead author on the new paper published in The Lancet. The study could lead to a much-needed policy change that could make a real difference in improving maternal and newborn health in Africa, she explained.

Among those involved were investigators from the University of Copenhagen, and the CDC (Atlanta -USA). It was funded through the European and Developing Countries Clinical Trials Partnership (EDCTP2) programme.

This was achieved through a joint initiative of the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, Medical Research Council, National Institute for Health Research, Wellcome Trust, and the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency.

‘We hope that these findings, along with a similar trial being conducted in Gabon and Mozam
bique, will inform the malaria prevention guidelines from WHO and national health policies,’ reassured Dr. Simon Kariuki, KEMRI-CGHR Head of Malaria Program.

Source: Kenya News Agency

Uasin Gishu County Governor Dr. Jonathan Chelilim has hailed the Coffee Cherry Advance Revolving Fund as a game changer for coffee farmers saying it will enhance access to inputs hence boosting production.

Speaking during the Coffee Cherry Advance Revolving Fund sensitization forum in Eldoret, governor Chelilim said the move provides a platform for synergy by actors in the coffee value chain who include farmers, policymakers, financial institutions, marketers, and key stakeholders in the industry.

‘This is a noble event as it provides a platform for our farmers who are either growing or eager to join the lucrative sector and they are here to discuss how the coffee cherry advance revolving fund will be operationalized to benefit them,’ Chelilim said.

He noted that the coffee industry has been a significant economic driver for the county and has continued to enhance its contributions to agricultural growth and fostering rural development.

The governor said Uasin Gishu County is noted as a prominent coffee-
growing region and added it is the responsibility of the administration to ensure that farmers receive the support they need to thrive in this sub-sector.

He affirmed that the Fund established by the Ministry of Cooperatives and MSMEs is a game changer for coffee farmers and reassured farmers that through this boost, they will be well placed to enhance their productivity and improve the quality of their produce.

‘It is important to note that for a long time, accessing credit and financing has been a challenge for many of our farmers and this fund seeks to bridge the gap by providing cherry advances. My clarion call to our farmers is to embrace diversification to benefit from their produce,’ said Dr. Chelilim.

Dr. Chelilim reiterated that his administration, through the Department of Agriculture, has been heavily involved in farmer training through collaborative efforts with other stakeholders to provide solutions to emerging local and global challenges experienced in various sectors including Coffee.

‘My
government is aware of a number of challenges affecting the performance of the coffee sub-sector such as lack of a robust policy, legal and institutional framework, and climate change. Despite the challenges, there is a need to diversify from the low-value food crops under rain-fed agriculture to the high-value crops under supplementary irrigation,’ he added.

He further noted that the county has made major strides in the sub-sector by supporting farmers to access Coffee seedlings, increasing the acreage under coffee from 83 acres to 1,451 acres eight years on.

In addition, the county administration has also supported farmers in the construction of a 4-acre Coffee Nursery at ATC Chebororwa and also provided 28 motorized Coffee pulpers and one Eco-Pulper machine with a capacity of one tonne per hour installed at Turbo Coffee Farmers’ Co-operative Society.

The county boss indicated that his administration plans to expand coffee production by supporting farmers in accessing certified seedlings, and appropriate
farm inputs, providing extension services, expanding of water system to enhance intensive irrigation, adopting the National Coffee policy and associated regulations, and establishing of one million Coffee seedlings at Chebororwa Agricultural Training Centre (ATC).

He urged farmers to join cooperatives as he assured them of his support to develop cooperatives so that they could manage crop enterprise development.

‘We are working closely with development partners to boost the Coffee sub-sector, and I commend the efforts carried out by the New Kenya Planters Co-operative Union in upgrading the Coffee sub-sector,’ he said.

He commended efforts by partners working closely with the county government for playing a vital role in ensuring farmers produce quality Coffee beans for local and international markets.

Uasin Gishu County’s annual coffee production rate currently stands at approximately 106 metric tonnes.

Source: Kenya News Agency

The government through the affordable housing programme is targeting to build 10, 000 units in Murang’a County within five years.

Currently, the construction of 220 house units at the Makenji site in Kandara constituency is going on with the project expected to be completed by December this year.

Central regional director of affordable housing and markets Albert Muchiri has said by next month, construction of affordable houses will kick off at Kiharu, Kangema, and Maragua constituencies.

He noted in every constituency they are targeting to build more than 200 affordable house units saying the areas have already set land where the projects will be implemented.

‘Construction of affordable houses in the Makenji area is going on smoothly and we hope by December the project will be over and people will start occupying the houses. The project sits on 2.5 acres of land which was donated by the county government.

‘In Kiharu, the project targeting to have 106 units in the first phase will be done on 1.6 acres of
land which belongs to the Ministry of Housing. In the Mitumbiri area of Maragua constituency, 450 units will be constructed on a 4-acre piece of land,’ explained Muchiri.

The director speaking during the inauguration of the Murang’a county affordable housing committee, on Tuesday, added that in the Kangema constituency in the first phase, 120 units will be constructed in already identified 2 acres of land.

‘In each of the other constituencies we are planning to buy two acres of land and start the first phase of the affordable houses.’ he noted.

Muchiri said through the boma yangu portal, residents can register to get the houses once they are completed.

‘Residents can register with the boma yangu portal to be considered once the houses are completed. In Makenji there will be 100 two-bedroom units, 60 three-bedroom units, and another 60 one-bedrooms. The price of the houses will range between Sh. 1 million and 3 million,’ he stated.

The director underscored the program saying it has been a big source of em
ployment to young people.

‘For instance, at the Makenji site, more than 500 workers are engaged daily. There are also those benefiting indirectly like suppliers of building materials, those selling food at the site among others,’ he averred.

Murang’a county commissioner Patrick Mukuria on his part asked the locals to support the programme which also involves the construction of modern markets within the county.

‘The government is also developing modern markets at Kangari, Muthithi, and Kanyenyaini among other trading centers. These facilities are meant to improve the livelihoods of the residents,’ added the commissioner.

Mukuria encouraged residents to apply to own the houses on the e-citizen online platform under boma yangu or short code message *832 # so that they can benefit from affordable housing.

On her part, Murang’a director of housing Ms Laureen Wasungu called upon local jua kali artisans to take advantage of the housing programme and supply materials like doors, grills, and windows.

The artisa
ns, Wasungu said they have to register with the Department of Small and Micro Enterprises so that they can tender to supply the materials.

‘Doors, windows, and other fabricated house fitting items will be sourced locally and we appeal to local jua kali artisans to apply to be considered in supplying the materials,’ she added.

Source: Kenya News Agency

Traders at the historic Marikiti market in Mombasa strive to make ends meet amid an increase in rent levy from Sh1,500 to 2,000 and slow business.

In the heart of the coastal city, Marikiti stands as a testament to 115 years of bustling commerce, attracting both local and international tourists.

As we enter 2024, the market’s pulse is captured through the lens of hopes, challenges, and unique facets defining the iconic marketplace.

Despite the slower beginning, there’s an air of optimism that business will regain momentum from next month.

‘It is 16 days since 2024 began, business has not picked up since most people are busy with school issues, but we are hopeful it will rebound next month,’ said Muhammad Ali, Marikiti Chairman.

The Chairman urges the County Government to improve their market stalls and the National Government, to ease the cost of transporting goods from up country.

‘We face competition from supermarkets since some people opt to buy their commodities there. I urge people to buy goods fr
om our market stalls, since we sell fresh fruits and vegetables and spices of the best quality which come from Tanzania,’ said the Market Chairman.

Swaleh Mohamed, a spice trader, says that the cost of living has skyrocketed in the recent past and the rise of the dollar against the shilling has affected the importation of cinnamon and cumin seeds.

The traders used to buy a 90 Kg sack of spices for Sh8,000 but they now purchase at Sh26,000 resulting in less profit or at times losses.

One distinctive feature of Marikiti is its commitment to freshness. Traders source their goods daily from Kongowea Market, Mombasa’s largest farm market.

This stands in stark contrast to competitors who opt for refrigeration, underlining Marikiti’s dedication to delivering quality and affordable products.

The Chairman sheds light on the seasonal variations that impact commodity availability. Using potatoes as an example, he explains, the market’s experience of abundance and scarcity, directly influencing prices and customer a
ccess.

‘Potatoes for instance, there are seasons when we have plenty of them and there are times, when they are scarce at the moment all the goods are available, it’s the prices that are high. Same with seasonal fruits,’ the Chairman explained.

Security remains a paramount concern, and the Chairman expresses gratitude for the installation of CCTV by the Old Town area Member of the County Assembly (MCA). Additionally, efforts by the National Government to install WI-FI in the market were acknowledged, although a current service interruption, has been reported and awaits resolution.

A unique perspective emerges as the Chairman notes that a significant number of Marikiti’s business owners, primarily Muslim, abstain from taking loans due to religious beliefs, adding a distinctive layer to the market’s financial dynamics.

Customers expressed contentment with the services offered at Marikiti Market, recognizing its role in meeting their needs and the county government’s efforts in maintaining cleanliness within
the market.

Source: Kenya News Agency

ONYAANYA: A 40-year-old man allegedly drowned in a pool of water on his way home from the cuca shop in the early hours of Wednesday at the Oshikulu village in Oshikoto Region.

According to a report issued by the Namibian Police Force on Wednesday, the man’s lifeless body was allegedly discovered by a passerby at around 07h00 on Wednesday morning.

‘The deceased is suspected to have fallen in the water on his way home from the cuca shop last night and subsequently drowned,’ the report said.

The deceased’s body has been taken to the Omuthiya Police Mortuary for an autopsy.

Police investigations continue.

Source: The Namibia Press Agency

Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika has assured medics of their safety at work, as Nakuru Level Five Hospital established more call rooms for doctors and interns.

Kihika, who regretted the death of one Medical Intern at the facility over the weekend, noted that the county administration was putting in place measures to ensure that no such incident is repeated in any facility across the county.

The body of Dr. Laban Langat,26, who was on duty on Friday night at the facility’s Margaret Kenyatta Mother-Baby Maternity wing, was discovered in a trench on Saturday.

‘We are working closely with the investigating officers to ensure that no stone is left unturned in the case and that justice is accorded to the family of Dr. Korir.

Kihika noted that the administration was working towards securing the work spaces for the medics, as well as setting up more call rooms to afford the interns spaces to rest as they serve patients.

‘We are looking if there were any weak points including poor lighting around the facility premis
es, inadequate call rooms for interns and doctors as well as the functionality of CCTV cameras so that such an incident does not recur anywhere across this county,’ assured the County Boss.

Dr. Korir Rotich, an Intern at Nakuru Level 5 hospital, noted that the county government had increased lighting, with eight more call rooms set up for the 20 interns serving at the facility.

‘We are demanding the latest and factual updates on the investigations so that we can have confidence.

‘The security firm that was on duty that night is being faced out in two weeks but we want to be assured that even the next firm will be competent enough to support service delivery at the facility,’ noted Dr. Rotich.

Investigators have continued to piece together information that will lead to the arrest and prosecution of the perpetrators. Government Pathologist Dr. Titus Ngulungu noted that the medic had injuries on his neck, abdomen, lips, and wrist, with postmortem pointing at the compression at the neck, as the cause of his d
eath.

Dr. Obiero Stephen noted that the family was set to lay the remains of Dr. Langat to rest on Saturday, January 27, 2024.

Source: Kenya News Agency