Eldoret,
Monday May 6, 2024,
KNA by Kiptanui Cherono
County government of Uasin Gishu has initiated a sensitization campaign to educate residents to take cautionary measures against Hepatitis A and other waterborne diseases during the current heavy rains and flooding.
The county executive for health services Dr. Abraham Serem emphasized the importance of raising awareness about Hepatitis A and other food and waterborne related diseases associated with hygiene and is prevalent during the ongoing rainy season and flooding.
Speaking during a meeting with the County Health Management Team Dr. Serem announced that the county has launched sensitization programs to educate the community on the risks associated with these diseases and urged them to prioritize hygiene practices and avoid the consumption of herbal medicines, which can have adverse effects on the functionality of vital organs.
The Clinical Services Chief Officer Dr. Joyce Sang raised similar concerns, adding that there was also a danger of Hepatitis A and other infestation diseases being spread following the sprouting of numerous herbal saunas in Eldoret town and its environs.
“There is a potential transmission of Hepatitis A and other infectious diseases in herbal saunas due to lack of hygiene and inadequate dressing gear in the herbal sauna,” she said, adding that there was a need for stringent hygiene protocols in communal facilities like saunas to prevent the spread of diseases and protect public health.
The county Health Services Director Dr. Evans Kiprotich highlighted the symptoms associated with Hepatitis A, such as yellowing of the eyes and pain on the left side as indicators for early detection and prompt medical intervention, emphasizing the importance of early diagnosis and treatment to prevent complications and further transmission of the disease.
Governor Jonathan Bii in his Nguzo Kumi blueprint prioritizes public health initiatives and proactive measures to address prevalent health challenges within the County by focusing on disease prevention, health education, and community engagement to protect residents from infectious diseases, hence enhancing healthcare practices.
Courtesy; KNA