At least six children have died from an outbreak of Malaria
in Tiaty Sub-county as the nurses strike continues, forcing desperate villagers
to resort to age-old ritual to ward-off disease.
The onset of the rainy season brought relief from the dry
spell, but also brought disease to Tirioko Ward residents. In the last few
days, a disease showing symptoms similar to those of Malaria has plagued the
residents, with the situation worsening with the strike that has paralyzed
public health sector for more than three months now.
According to the area MCA, Lokales Sam Lourien, more than
2000 residents have shown symptoms of vomiting, diarrhea, having weak joints
and high body temperatures.
The nearest public health facility, Rotu, has been closed as
health workers remain on strike while the next health facility is located 100km
away in Chemolingot.
“The number of deaths could be more than the reported cases
as this is a vast area with no health facilities and infrastructure. The only
hospital remain closed and drugs are inadequate,” said the MCA.
The county ambulance is also unable to reach those in dire
need of medical attention because the road to the hospital in Chemolingot, past
Kapedo, has since been blocked by members of the neighbouring community as a
result of a territorial dispute.
The residents of Kapau village have now resorted to
performing a ritual, Kikatat, which is a prayer to ward-off disease or at least
to keep Malaria at bay until help can reach them.
