Microsoft Word 02Preface doc

5.2
 
  Outline of Communicable Diseases Control in Kenya 
An outline of infectious diseases control in Kenya is given below to clarify the roles 
and functions of the KEMRI as a research institute for infectious diseases control in 
Kenya. 
 
5.2.1
 
Structure of Diseases 
Infectious diseases are still the main issue for disease control in Kenya since the 
leading causes of morbidity and mortality are related to infectious diseases, such as 
malaria, acute respiratory infections (ARI) and diarrhoea in 2003.  Significant 
progress has been made in the eradication of poliomyelitis, the elimination of neonatal 
tetanus and the control of measles.    The targets for the eradication of guinea worm 
disease and the elimination of lymphatic filariasis and leprosy have been attained.  
Other parasitic diseases of epidemiological concern, such as schistosomiasis, 
helminthiasis, leishmaniasis, will need to be addressed.    However, new emerging and 
re-emerging diseases continue to be threats.     
Malaria has remained the leading cause of morbidity and mortality.    According to the 
statistics of MOH, it accounts for 30% of outpatient visits and about 19% of all cases 
requiring inpatient services were infected with malaria.  Malaria causes 5% of the 
total number of deaths in public health facilities.    ARI are the second leading cause of 
morbidity, accounting for up to one quarter of outpatient attendance at public health 
facilities.  Diarrhoeal diseases are the third leading cause of morbidity as well as 
mortality, especially among children.    Regarding HIV/AIDS, it is estimated that since 
the epidemic commenced in 1984, 1.5 million deaths have occurred, resulting in 
approximately one million orphans in Kenya.  By the year 2000, over 2.2 million 
people in Kenya had been infected with HIV with a seroprevalence rate of 14%.  
Recent data indicate a possible stabilization and decline in national seroprevalence.  
Tuberculosis (TB) shows a high prevalence rate among impoverished groups.  The 
directly observed treatment short-course (DOTS) has been adopted as a national 
strategy in Kenya.  The coverage of resistance to multi-drug therapy was 
insignificant.