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
Ohio judge to rule Monday on whether the state’s abortion ban stands
COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — A county judge could rule as early as Monday on Ohio’s law banning virtually a2024-05-21- A modified version of China's Long March-8 carrier rocket has completed a 5.2-meter-diameter fai2024-05-21
Malta's new president takes office
Malta's new president Myriam Spiteri Debono waves to the crowd on the balcony of the Grandmaster2024-05-21National reunification unstoppable: Mainland spokesperson
The historical trend toward a stronger China, national rejuvenation, and reunification cannot be sto2024-05-21Supreme Court declines to hear challenge to Maryland ban on rifles known as assault weapons
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court on Monday declined, for now, to hear a challenge to a Maryland l2024-05-21Courtney Love is hit by angry backlash from Taylor Swift fans after branding singer 'unimportant'
Courtney Love has been on the receiving end of furious vitriol from Taylor Swift's fan base after sh2024-05-21
atest comment