Baringo County Government in partnership with FIND DX Kenya has rolled out a three-day blood donation campaign, targeting secondary schools in the area, as part of tackling a neglected tropical disease, Kala Azar (VL) that demands blood transfusion as part of treatment and Case Management. The disease has risen 13% between 2019 and 2023 and data shows that the numbers will be a record high before the year ends despite efforts to contain it.
According to data from the County Government of Baringo’s Department of Health, about 50% of all blood collected from Baringo County goes to Tiaty West Constituency.
Data from Chemolingot Hospital in Tiaty West, which is the referral point in the region shows that 70% of cases seen are male and 30% female. This male dominance is due to the nomadic lifestyle of boys sleeping outside while herding. About 42% of the cases of VL seen are anemic and in need of blood transfusion. As of the twelfth June, 100% of current admissions at Chemolingot Hospital are Kala Azar patients.
Baringo County Chief Officer for Medical Services, Dr Winnie Bore, says the blood donation drive is in response to challenges of accessing blood to meet demand for 500 units of blood needed by public and private hospitals monthly. Speaking at Marigat Boys High School, Bore said demand is high in the area since some patients need transfusion due to poor dietary nutrition by some residents.
“The blood drive is going to help us have enough blood supply, so that as we are addressing the problem we have ammunition in terms of management and blood,” Dr Winnie Bore.
Kala Azar is one of the neglected tropical diseases that causes low blood in the body (anaemia). The surge has also been attributed to awareness campaigns about the disease alongside donor support.
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