COUNTY DEWORMS LEARNERS TO BOOST WELL-BEING

The County Government of Kakamega has today officially flagged off the National School-Based Deworming Exercise, reinforcing the commitment to safeguarding the health and academic performance of learners across Kakamega County.

The exercise being implemented under the theme “Epuka uchafu, usafi nyumbani,” fronts a strong emphasis on hygiene, prevention, and community responsibility. During the event held at the Kenafya offices, participants from the national Ministry of Education and the County Department of Health presented the programme framework, outlined the health risks associated with intestinal worms, and highlighted scientific evidence demonstrating the impact of routine deworming on learner concentration, attendance, and overall wellbeing.

A total of 1.5 million doses of deworming medication have been secured to cover all eligible learners across the county. The meeting further reviewed the 2026 Soil-Transmitted Helminths (STH) and Schistosomiasis (SCH) mapping results, which will guide targeted interventions and ensure equitable coverage. County and sub-county implementation teams were assigned clear operational roles to support efficient distribution, administration, and community mobilization.

The distribution of medicines to schools has been facilitated through the able leadership of H.E. the Governor, Dr Fernandes Barasa, who was represented by the CECM for Health, Dr. Livingston Imbayi.

Among those present were Chief Officer for Public Health Rose Muhanda with his Health Services counterpart Dr. David Alila, County Director of Education Stephen Abere, and Deputy Director, School Health and Nutrition Unit, Florence Musalia.