Malaria is still killing people in Kenya, but a vaccine and local drug production may help
Time:2024-04-26 06:05:19 Source:politicsViews(143)
MIGORI, Kenya (AP) — As the coffin bearing the body of Rosebella Awuor was lowered into the grave, heart-wrenching sobs from mourners filled the air. Her sister Winnie Akinyi, the guardian to Awuor’s orphaned son, fell to the ground, wailing.
It was the latest of five deaths in this family attributed to malaria. The disease is common in Kenya, and it is preventable and curable, but poverty makes it deadly for those who can’t afford treatment.
In the family’s compound in the western county of Migori, three other graves are visible, that of Awuor’s husband and their other two children who died from malaria before the age of 2.
Awuor, 31, fell ill in December and lost her five-month pregnancy before succumbing to malaria. Her 11-year-old son is the family’s only survivor.
Malaria is still a significant public health challenge in Kenya, though some progress may be coming. Parts of Kenya participated in an important pilot of the world’s first malaria vaccine, with a reported drop in deaths for children under 5. Kenya’s health ministry hasn’t said when the vaccine will be widely available.
Previous:More than 100 inmates break free from a Nigerian prison after heavy rains
Next:The Hollywood daughters raiding their mums' wardrobes... so who do you think wore it better?
You may also like
- EU military officer says a frigate has destroyed a drone launched from Yemen's Houthi
- China Records 226 Mln Passenger Trips in Spring Festival Holiday
- Across China: Competition in SW China's Chongqing Inspires Students to Innovate, Start businesses
- Diversified Markets Heat up China's Nighttime Economy
- Firefighters fully contain southern New Jersey forest fire that burned hundreds of acres
- China Focus: TCM Sees Rising Popularity Among Young People
- 15th Serfs' Emancipation Day Marked in Tibet, SW China
- Chinese people pay tributes to legendary ancestor
- Atletico Madrid battles Athletic Bilbao for 4th place in Spain and last Champions League berth