Jeff Otieno
6 September 2007
Nairobi — At least 60 per cent of all pregnant women in the country's poor areas are expected to receive free malaria treatment this year.
This is part of the Government strategy to deal with malaria deaths.
But to achieve this, the Ministry of Health's malaria control section, which has already raised Sh5.2 billion, needs an extra Sh2.3 billion, according to Dr Willis Akhwale, the head of the unit.
The announcement came as pharmaceutical firm Pfizer launched a Sh1 billion malaria initiative programme to aid Kenya, Senegal and Ghana combat the disease.
Speaking during the launch of the programme, the drug company regional director, Africa/Israel, Mr Karl Lintel, said the five-year funding will be channelled through the Clinton Global Initiative.
"In some areas, the free treatment only reaches 24 per cent of pregnant mothers, against our current target to reach about 60 per cent of the women," Dr Akhwale said.
Mr Lintel, who spoke at Serena hotel, said the new programme will address gaps in the treatment of the disease, which remained one of the leading killers in the continent.
Under the initiative, the Health ministry will collaborate with the Great Lakes University and Population Service International in establishing projects in malaria prone areas.
Mr Lintel said that Pfizer would partner with governments, leading local and international organisations to help develop and strengthen programmes for the effective treatment and management of malaria.
"The malaria pandemic in Africa is a frustrating challenge and, unlike Aids, it has not been given the attention needed. Pfizer is happy to support the initiative," the regional director added.
Offered free of charge
Part of the funds will be used to buy medicine to deal with the disease that has in the recent past become resistant to many drugs. It will also be used to train health workers on caring for patients and educating community members on symptoms to look for when one is suffering from malaria.
Dr Akhwale urged patients to seek medical aid within 24 hours, after experiencing symptoms of the disease, saying, anti-malaria drugs in public institutions were being offered free of charge.
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