Tropical Health Matters

Jhpiego, through USAID Kenya’s AIDS, Population and Health, Integrated Assistance (APHIA II) Program in Eastern Province, supported observance of World Malaria Day 2010. The Provincial Malaria Control Coordinator has written to share their experiences and express they appreciation as seen below. (Photo: drying nets in Isiolo District

From: Alfred Maina
Sent: 27 April 2010 16:01
To: Kennedy Manyonyi, Deputy Project Director, APHIA II Eastern
Subject: World Malaria Day Eastern Province

Hi Dr Manyonyi,

Hope this finds you well. I wish to confirm to you that we had a successful world malaria day launch at Kibugua, Meru south district yesterday. We had a good attendance that I would estimate to about 700.We feel the involvement of the Kathatwa community unit attached to the dispensary did a lot in mobilization of the community. The Mugirirwa community unit as well as the Magnet theatre group were also involved in the event which resonated well with the local community and this is the way to go if we are to collaborate with the community in improving their health.

The Provincial health team was led by the Provincial Director of Public Health who was accompanied by the Provincial Public Health Officer, the Provincial Health Education Officer,Provincial Clinical officer and the Provincial Records and Information Officer. The Meru South DHMT was fully represented and other government departments such as Water, Children’s Office, Education, County Council and Registration. The Meru South D.C. was the guest of honour.

The main highlights of the day included:-

1. A road show/procession that started at Chuka district hospital,throughout the town streets onto the Chuka Runyenjes road, through the market centres in Magumoni and finally into the venue.
2. Involvement of Kathatwa and Mugirirwa community units through:
• Demonstration of IRS using sprayers owned by the Kathatwa unit
• Demonstration of proper use of ITNs
• Demonstration of net re-treatment by the CHWs
• Presentatin of a skit by Mugirirwa CU on malaria control interventions
• Presentation of a play by the magnet theatre group.
3. About 600 nets were distributed to the vulnerable members of the community including pregnant mothers,children under 5 and a few elderly individuals.
4. Speeches by the following people:- DPHO, APHIA 2 representative from Meru south, PSI representative, Provincial Malaria Coordinator and PDPHS.

The main speech was given by the D.C who implored the community to partner with all stakeholders in malaria control interventions in the district.

All in all the activity was a huge success and on behalf of the PHMT, I wish to register our appreciation for the financial support and the great collaboration we had in this event. We look forward to even greater partnership towards improving the health of the communities in this province.

Regards,
Dr Karagu Maina, Provincial Malaria Control Coordinator, Eastern Province

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