According to the Ministry of Health, there have been no cholera outbreaks in Nyanza province this year compared to last year when multiple cases were recorded.
Last year, two victims died of cholera in the county while several others were treated and discharged. Out of 52 cholera infections in 2018, four deaths were recorded as opposed to zero cases this year and zero deaths.
Since the on-set of Covid-19 pandemic, no cholera cases have been recorded in the counties of Kisumu, Siaya and Homa Bay respectively. The zero cholera situation has been associated with the strict sanitary Covid-19 regulations which have reduced cholera pathogens in the environment.
In Siaya, the last cholera case recorded by medics was in 2017. In Homabay, Gordon Okomo, the County’s Director for Health, said that diarrhoeal diseases have plummeted by at least 32%.
The use of sanitizers, the washing of hands, social distancing and a ban on large gatherings, especially in churches and funerals have all sustained a healthy environment, thereby denying cholera the opportunity to thrive.
According to Fredrick Oluoch, Kisumu County Director for Health, his office will continue to encourage residents to adhere to the Covid-19 rules for the sake of keeping cholera away.
While Covid-19 rules have been useful in the containment of cholera, the regulations have destroyed businesses across Nyanza, rendered thousands unemployed and created suffering to millions of residents.
Livelihoods have been disrupted while the crime rate has increased as youths deprived of their means of earning a living turn into crime as a way of life.
