By Misfit | May 16, 2025
Kenya has made significant progress in its fight against malaria, as new data reveals a 17.8% decrease in reported cases in 2024. The total number of malaria cases in health facilities dropped by 672,889, highlighting the success of ongoing public health interventions.
Key Findings
The Economic Survey report indicates that in 2023, malaria cases were at a high of 4,453,015. However, by 2024, after a series of targeted initiatives, the number had decreased to 3,780,126.
“With the introduction of various strategic interventions aimed at accelerating the fight against malaria and promoting global responses, we’ve seen a noticeable drop in cases,” the report states.
Interventions and Achievements
The World Health Organization (WHO) introduced a new operational strategy for 2024-2030, focusing on developing new tools and improving data usage. Kenya has actively embraced these strategies, making substantial progress in malaria control.
Key initiatives that contributed to the reduction in cases include:
Distribution of 15.3 million long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs), reaching 27 million people across 22 counties such as Kisumu, Kisii, and Migori.
Successful Indoor Residual Spraying (IRS) campaigns in high-risk areas like Busia and Migori.
Implementation of Seasonal Malaria Chemoprevention (SMC) in specific regions.
County-Level Impact
On April 25, 2024, Kisumu County marked a significant achievement, reducing its malaria prevalence to 15.6%. Governor Anyang Nyong’o hailed the milestone, which he attributed to a combination of preventive and treatment strategies.
“In the early 2000s, Kisumu was plagued with a malaria prevalence exceeding 50%. Today, we’ve made tremendous strides, thanks to government efforts and community involvement,” Nyong’o said.
National Malaria Control Programme’s Role
The National Malaria Control Programme (NMCP), working with the State Department of Public Health, has been instrumental in rolling out effective measures and raising awareness. These efforts have had a direct impact on reducing transmission rates across the country.
Looking Ahead
The Ministry of Health continues to prioritize malaria prevention and control, ensuring that effective measures remain in place for long-term sustainability. With continued commitment, Kenya is on track to reduce the burden of malaria, contributing to the global goal of eliminating the disease by 2030.
