Reckitt Benckiser Doubles Efforts To Eradicate Malaria In Kenya

Reckitt Benckiser (RB) East Africa has reiterated its commitment to the fight against malaria which continues to be a major health problem in Kenya.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), over 3.4 billion people globally are at risk of being infected with malaria with the Sub-Sahara African being at higher risk.

Sub-Sahara Africa carries a disproportionately high share of the global malaria burden with the region being home to 93 percent of malaria cases and 94 percent of global malaria deaths.

“It is worth noting that over the past decade, Kenya has made tremendous progress against malaria as a result of the sound policies, evidence-based strategies as well as strong partnerships among stakeholders in the malaria community both local and international,” said RB East Africa Country Manager Mr. Sachin Varma.

Mr. Varma said that the rainy season are the riskiest especially to mothers and children below five years and thus we encourage them to use insecticides and treated nets during this #StayAtHome period.

He also warned against the relaxation of anti-malarial efforts in the country during this period of the Coronavirus pandemic saying that in as much as the world is focused on the new disease, malaria still remains a big threat to the public health.

READ: WHO Reports an Increase on Malaria Cases Despite Efforts to Reduce Contraction of the Disease

“Despite this commendable progress, malaria still remains one of the major health problems in Kenya as is the case in other Sub-Sahara African countries,” he added.

It is therefore imperative that even as the World fights to control and eradicate the coronavirus, efforts against malaria must be sustained, we should ensure that we put more emphasis on prevention through sleeping under treated mosquito nets, clearing of bushes and draining stagnant water around our residences.

“Malaria can be controlled through driving public educational initiatives that reinforce the message that Malaria is preventable and treatable,” added Mr. Varma.

RB East Africa, Mortein Doom insecticide, and other hygiene products have been at the forefront of promoting health among Kenyans through the promotion of initiatives geared at prevention of diseases.

This has been done through engaging in various partnerships and projects with the aim of reducing the rate of infections in the country and thus reducing the mortality rate of children under the age of five as well as pregnant mothers.

READ: The World Has Relaxed In The Fight Against Malaria