How to get treatment for Malaria in Kakuma Refugee Camp, Kenya – Julisha

Malaria is a major health threat in Kakuma Refugee Camp. In the first half of 2023, there were over 23,000 malaria cases and 25 deaths in the camp. Refugees and asylum seekers in camps are more likely to get malaria. This is because many people live closely together, a lot of standing water where mosquitoes breed, and there isn't enough medicine or healthcare workers to adequately take care of the population. They also don’t have money to buy things like bed nets to protect themselves from mosquito bites.

Organizations such as the International Rescue Committee (IRC) are working to reduce the burden of malaria in Kakuma Refugee Camp by providing access to treatment and prevention measures.

Read this article on malaria symptoms, how to prevent malaria and where to get treatment for malaria in Kakuma Refugee Camp and Kalobeyei Settlement.

What causes Malaria?

Malaria is a disease spread by mosquitoes. Mosquitoes get malaria from infected people and spread it to others when they bite. The parasites that cause malaria live in people’s blood.

Symptoms of Malaria

Malaria symptoms usually appear within 10 to 15 days after a mosquito bite.

The most common symptoms of malaria include:

High fever
Chills
Headache
Muscle aches
Fatigue
Nausea, and vomiting.

If left untreated, malaria can lead to severe complications such as anemia, cerebral malaria, acute liver and or kidney failure, seizure, brain damage, loss of consciousness and even death, particularly in vulnerable populations like pregnant women, children, the elderly and those with other immune suppressing conditions such as HIV/AIDS, lupus, type 1 diabetes, and others.

Is Malaria treatable?

Yes, Malaria is treatable and curable. With quick and effective treatment, the infection can be cured, the symptoms can be relieved and the number of people who get sick or die from malaria can be reduced.

If you suspect that you have malaria or showing malaria like symptoms, you should visit any hospital or clinic/dispensary near you for testing and treatment.

You can visit the following health facilities in Kakuma Refugee Camp and Kalobeyei Settlement. Testing and treatment at these facilities are free of charge. Ensure you carry your identity document (Proof of registration/manifest or refugee ID if you are a refugee and national ID for Kenyans) when visiting the health facility.

Kakuma Refugee Camp

Health Facility	Location	Working Hours
Locher Angamor Dispensary (Clinic 4)	Kakuma 1, Zone 1, Block 9, opposite Kakuma 1 Basketball Court	Monday – Saturday (8am – 3pm)
Kaapoka Health Centre (Main Hospital)	Kakuma 1, Zone 2, Block 15, next to Don Bosco Vocational Training Center	Monday – Saturday (8am – 3pm)
Hong Kong Dispensary (Clinic 2)	Kakuma 1, Zone 4, Block 1, next to Hongkong police station	Monday – Saturday (8am – 3pm)
Nalemsekon Dispensary (Clinic 5)	Kakuma 2, Zone 1, Block 6	Monday – Saturday (8am – 3pm)
Nationakor Dispensary (Clinic 6)	Kakuma 3, Zone 3, Block 1, next to Kakuma 3 Police Station	Monday – Saturday (8am – 3pm)
Amusait General Hospital	Kakuma 4, Zone 1, Block 1, next to Kakuma 4 market	Sunday – Sunday (24 hours)

Kalobeyei Settlement

Natukubenyo Health Center (Kalobeyei Health Center	Kalobeyei Village 1	Sunday – Sunday (24 hours)
Naregae Dispensary (Kalobeyei Village 2 Clinic)	Kalobeyei Village 2	Sunday – Sunday (8am – 3pm)

Healthcare services information can be accessed on the Julisha.info service map: https://www.julisha.info/hc/en-us/sections/4403359499671-Kakuma?services=1558

To access the service map on the Julisha.Info website, click on the "Service Map" option. From there, choose your region, which could be Turkana, Garissa, or Nairobi Counties. After selecting your region, you can further narrow down your search by choosing your specific location to access services available in that area.

For easier access, you can also filter for the services you need by clicking on the "All services" button located on the top right of your screen. This will allow you to focus on the specific healthcare services you require.

HYPERLINK "https://www.julisha.info/hc/en-us/articles/8616626422173-Kakuma-Health-Care-Nationokor-Dispensary-Clinic-Clinic-6-International-Rescue-Committee-IRC-"

How can we prevent Malaria transmission?

To stop the spread of malaria, we need to control mosquitoes and help people protect themselves. Here are some key strategies:

Sleeping under Insecticide-Treated Nets: This helps to protect one from mosquito bites, especially during sleeping hours.
Indoor Residual Spraying: Regular application of insecticides on the walls and ceilings of shelters reduces the mosquito population and their ability to transmit the disease.
Removing standing water and other breeding sites for mosquitoes within and around residentials areas can help minimize mosquito populations.
Use of insect repellents, wearing long-sleeved clothing, and avoiding outdoor activities during peak mosquito activity (dusk and dawn) can reduce the risk of mosquito bites

It is important to note that malaria is not contagious and cannot be spread directly from person to person like a common cold or flu. It is spread by mosquitoes. Taking measures to prevent mosquito bites, such as using insect repellent, wearing protective clothing, and sleeping under mosquito nets, can help reduce the risk of contracting malaria.

Service map

If you have any questions, please write to us via the Julisha.Info Facebook page, or chat with us on WhatsApp (+254110601820) Monday through Friday from 08:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

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