Lubao FM News 
The Ministry of Health in conjunction with the World Health Organization (WHO) have rolled out a mass sensitization and testing programme in four counties in Western Kenya to help curb parasitic worms and bilharzia diseases in the region. The programme seeks to determine the extent of infection of bilharzia and intestinal worms, in order to offer treatment and eradicate the disease in both children and adults.
According to Dr. Sultan Matendechero, Head of National Public Health Institute, spearheading the program, they are now focusing on curbing neglected tropical diseases, such as Bilharzia, intestinal worms, trachoma and other diseases. According to WHO, in the event the testing results shows more than 10 per cent of the population have the disease, then everyone in that community will be given drugs but if it is less than 10 per cent, then the drug will be administered only to those with symptoms. Worms are caused by consuming infected water and food, inappropriate hygiene, eating under-cooked meat and contact with germ infected surfaces.
The Doctor noted that if the parasitic worm disease not treated, it leads to stunted growth in children, anemia, malnutrition, poor school performance and it might even kill. Dr. Matendechero urged Kenyans to use clean water for drinking and washing, use toilets properly, while food should be properly cooked before consumption, washing hands frequently and fruits properly before eating to avoid this diseases.
The programme is being carried out in Kakamega, Vihiga, Bungoma and Trans Nzoia counties.
