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CO Lynn Kitwan Leads NTDS Tournament Ahead of World NTD Day in Kitui

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Kitui’s Public Health Chief Executive led a pre-commemoration event ahead of World Neglected Tropical Disease (NTD) Day, which will be observed on January 30th. As part of the awareness efforts, a football tournament was organized to engage the community, particularly the youth, in discussions about the impact of NTDs. These diseases, including snake bites, kala-azar, and hookworms, are prevalent in Kitui County, disproportionately affecting the poorest and most vulnerable populations. By incorporating sports into the initiative, the county government aims to educate the public on disease prevention, control, and the need for collective action against NTDs.

During her speech, Chief Officer Lynn Kitwan emphasized that Kitui County has one of the highest incidences of snake bites in the country, with over 1,400 cases reported in the past three years. She also highlighted the presence of other NTDs such as kala-azar, trachoma, leishmaniasis, and soil-transmitted helminths. She noted that raising awareness about these diseases is crucial in ensuring that communities take proactive steps in their prevention and management. Dr. Miriam from the African Institute for Health Development, an implementing partner for the Ministry of Health, explained that NTDs predominantly affect tropical and subtropical regions, especially among the poorest populations. She further noted that Kenya has been officially celebrating World NTD Day since 2020, with the first event held in Nairobi.

Kitui County has been chosen to host this year’s national celebration of World NTD Day, with parallel events also taking place in Kilifi, Kakamega, Bungoma, Trans Nzoia, and Vihiga counties.The reason why the Kitui County was chosen is its good leadership under governor Dr Julius Malombe and constant collaboration with the national government and implementing partners on matters related to NTDs. This includes conducting mass drug administration for deworming and participating in extensive research on snake envenoming.

These simultaneous events underscore the importance of nationwide efforts to combat NTDs and ensure communities are well-informed about prevention, control, and treatment options. The initiative also serves as a call for increased support from the government, health organizations, and the public in tackling these diseases. Through such events, stakeholders aim to create a stronger response system that involves the community in disease prevention and management.

The NTDS Tournament will conclude with an awards ceremony where Governor Malombe is expected to recognize the winners, reinforcing the county’s commitment to addressing public health challenges. Beyond the tournament, the fight against NTDs requires continuous community engagement, improved healthcare interventions, and policy support to reduce the disease burden in Kitui County. By hosting this year’s World NTD Day celebrations, the county is taking a significant step toward ensuring that these neglected diseases receive the attention and resources necessary for their eradication.

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