Counties across Western Kenya Vihiga, Trans Nzoia, Bungoma, and Kakamega joined the rest of the country in commemorating World Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) Day, reinforcing a shared commitment to collective action, prevention, and sustained investment to eliminate NTDs. County-level events were held under the global theme “Unite. Act. Eliminate NTDs.”
In Vihiga County, the commemoration was hosted at Induru Primary and Junior School and brought together county leadership, health professionals, partners, and community members to strengthen awareness and accelerate local action against NTDs. Similar activities were undertaken across Trans Nzoia, Bungoma, and Kakamega counties, reflecting a coordinated regional approach to tackling diseases that continue to disproportionately affect vulnerable communities.
Procession during the 2026 NTD Day commemoration in Vihiga County
Across the four counties, activities included public awareness processions, jigger treatment, intestinal worm screening, Social Health Authority (SHA) registration, health exhibitions, and community sensitization forums. The events emphasized prevention-focused approaches and the importance of integrating health interventions with water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) efforts.
Speaking during the Vihiga event, the County Executive Committee Member for Health Services, Dr. Nicholas Kitungulu, reaffirmed the county’s commitment to increasing investment in NTD interventions that go beyond treatment to prioritize prevention, capacity building, and advocacy. He emphasized that eliminating NTDs requires strong multi-sectoral collaboration at county, national, and community levels.
County NTD coordinators and public health officials from across the four counties highlighted the priority NTDs in their respective areas, outlining transmission pathways, prevention measures, and progress made to date. County health leadership collectively acknowledged the role of partners and community structures in sustaining gains and reaching hard-to-reach populations.
On behalf of WASH Alliance Kenya, Ms. Jane Njomo called for sustained and coordinated efforts to consolidate progress made in NTD prevention and control, emphasizing the role of integrated WASH interventions particularly Community-Led Total Sanitation (CLTS) in breaking cycles of infection and reinfection across Western Kenya.
The regional commemorations mirrored the national observance of World NTDs Day held in Kajiado County, where Kenya reaffirmed its commitment to accelerating the control, elimination, and eradication of NTDs. Speaking on behalf of Health Cabinet Secretary Hon. Aden Duale, the Acting Director General of the Kenya National Public Health Institute (KNPHI), Dr. Kamene Kimenye, emphasized the importance of cross-border collaboration to strengthen disease surveillance, harmonize service delivery, and ensure continuity of care for mobile populations.
The World Health Organization (WHO) Acting Country Representative, Dr. Neema Kimambo, reiterated WHO’s continued technical and strategic support to Kenya, while county leaders highlighted the impact of mass drug administration (MDA) in reducing the burden of helminthic infections and improving community wellbeing.
As neglected tropical diseases remain closely linked to poverty and limited access to essential services, the synchronized calls to action from Western Kenya counties and the national platform underscored the urgency of community-driven prevention, strong partnerships, and sustained investment to achieve a future free from NTDs ensuring that no community is left behind.
