Malaria is still killing people in Kenya, but a vaccine and local drug production may help
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.
Related articles
China nurtures unicorn enterprises via sci
BEIJING, May 2 (Xinhua) -- With the steady improvement of China's overall strength in sci-tech innov2024-05-07UN Chinese Language Day celebrated in Tunisia
Students learn inscription rubbing in the Confucius Institute at Carthage University in Tunis, Tunis2024-05-07Rubiales denies wrongdoing when questioned in probe into Saudi Arabia deal for Spanish Super Cup
BARCELONA, Spain (AP) — Luis Rubiales, the former president of Spain’s soccer federation, denied any2024-05-07English Premier League takes another step toward introducing a spending cap
LONDON (AP) — The English Premier League has taken another step toward introducing a spending cap.At2024-05-07- Travis Kelce partied the night away in Miami following Sunday's Formula One Grand Prix without girlf2024-05-07
Rangers finish off sweep of the Capitals, move on to the 2nd round of the NHL playoffs
WASHINGTON (AP) — Not playing their best hockey against an opponent full of desperation, the New Yor2024-05-07
atest comment