Kisumu Boosts Community-Led Malaria Prevention in Pregnancy

Story by Brand Omega and Dennise Akinyi Photos by Ondari Ogega Community health Promoters in Kisumu County recently received vital training at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH), a joint effort by the Kisumu County Department of Health and the Ministry of Health. The training aims to significantly enhance the community delivery of Intermittent Preventive Treatment in pregnancy (IPTp/SP) to combat malaria. Led by Kisumu County Malaria Coordinator Liliana Dayo, the initiative equipped Community Health Promoters (CHPs) with the skills to effectively administer IPTp/SP. This "community-IPTp" (C-IPTp) approach complements traditional clinic-based methods, crucial for high-transmission areas like Western Kenya. IPTp, a WHO-recommended intervention, involves giving Sulfadoxine-Pyrimethamine (SP) to pregnant women during antenatal care (ANC) visits, starting in the second trimester, to reduce risks like maternal anemia, low birth weight, and miscarriage. The urgent need for this training stems from Kisumu's low IPTp coverage, currently at a mere 20%. The goal is to reach 100%, especially in high-risk areas like Nyalenda A and Manyatta B, and to better support vulnerable groups such as teenage mothers. Strict guidelines for community administration were emphasized, including confirming pregnancy trimester, prior hospital visits, absence of sulfa allergies, and recent SP intake. Urgent hospital referral is mandatory for unwell pregnant women. Dr. Lilian Oigara, Kisumu East's Sub-County Government Pharmacist, outlined robust SP stock management protocols to prevent shortages and ensure proper distribution. This includes strict adherence to "stock management rights" covering condition, place, time, quality, and client. CHAs will manage SP collection and reporting, ensuring efficient supply chains. The program also underscored the importance of comprehensive ANC attendance and effective communication, urging pregnant women to seek prompt malaria treatment and understand that IPTp protects their unborn children.

Kisumu Boosts Community-Led Malaria Prevention in Pregnancy

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