Explore the top 10 most reported diseases in Kenya, including malaria, HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, pneumonia, diarrhoea diseases, typhoid fever, cholera, meningitis, measles, and neglected tropical diseases.
Learn about the prevalence, causes, and preventive measures for each disease.
Discover how Kenya is working to combat and prevent these diseases through vaccination programs, improved sanitation, access to clean water and health education.
Tropical diseases, especially malaria and tuberculosis, have long been a public health problem in Kenya. In recent years, infection with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), which causes acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS), also has become a severe problem.
Diseases such as poorly managed diabetes, breast and lung cancer as well as lung infections such as pneumonia are the leading killer diseases in Kenya and the world.
In this blog post, we will explore the top 10 most reported diseases in Kenya, shedding light on the prevalence, causes, and preventive measures for each.
Malaria
Malaria is a major public health problem in Kenya. Due to altitude, rainfall patterns, and temperature, ~75% of the Kenyan population is at risk for malaria.
Malaria risk is high throughout the year in the whole country, but low in Nairobi, the immediate surrounding areas, and the highlands (above 2500m) of Central, Eastern, Nyanza, Rift Valley and Western Provinces. Note that there can be a high risk in valleys of the highlands
- Malaria is one of the most prevalent diseases in Kenya, especially in rural areas with high mosquito populations.
- It is caused by the bite of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes.
- Symptoms include fever, chills, headache, and body aches.
- Preventive measures such as the use of bed nets and insect repellents, as well as proper diagnosis and treatment, are crucial in combating malaria.
Where Is Malaria Most Common In Kenya?
Transmission patterns of the disease in Kenya are influenced by rainfall, vector species, intensity of biting, and altitude. Stable malaria occurs in most parts of Coast, Nyanza, and Western Provinces. Transmission is high in these areas with an average of one infective bite/person/week throughout the year.
HIV/AIDS
HIV situation in Kenya 2023 report shows infection rates among young people (15-24) remain concerning. The report shows About 3,244 new HIV infections occurred among adolescents aged 10-19 years in 2022, with young people (15-24 years) accounting for 41 per cent of all new HIV infections in 2022
HIV/AIDS continues to be a major health concern in Kenya. The virus is transmitted through unprotected sexual intercourse, contaminated blood transfusions, and sharing of needles. Education, awareness, and access to antiretroviral therapy have played a significant role in reducing the spread of HIV/AIDS in recent years.
3. Tuberculosis
Tuberculosis (TB) is a serious public health issue in Kenya. About 120,000 people a year develop TB (48,000 of them being HIV-positive) and 18,600 people die from it. It is the fourth largest cause of death, being responsible for about 6% of all deaths.
Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease caused by bacteria that primarily affects the lungs. It spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Early diagnosis, proper treatment, and adherence to medication are essential in controlling the spread of TB in Kenya.
TB treatment is fully subsidized and almost free by the MoH and is therefore free of charge for all persons seeking treatment in public health facilities countrywide. Who is most at risk of getting tuberculosis? In Kenya, the very young (<5years) and the elderly (>65years) are most at risk.
4. Pneumonia
Data from the Kenya health Information System indicate a substantial increase in cases over the last year from 477,186 cases in 2020/2021 to 793,864 cases in 2022/2023 particularly in Mandera, Samburu, Narok, Isiolo, Marsabit, Tana River, and Wajir counties
Pneumonia is a respiratory infection that affects the lungs and can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi. It is a leading cause of death among children under the age of five in Kenya. Vaccination, good hygiene practices, and prompt medical attention are crucial in preventing and treating pneumonia.
Incidence peaked at 698 per 100,000 person-years among children <5 years of age. A second peak occurred among 20-29 year-olds at 356 per 100,000 person-years; rates were twice as high in women as men in this age group (p<0.001). The incidence in persons >65 years was 121 per 100,000 person-years.
5. Diarrhoea Diseases
Diarrhoeal disease is the second leading cause of death in children in the world under five years old. It is both preventable and treatable.
Diarrhoea diseases, often caused by contaminated food or water, are a significant public health issue in Kenya. Proper sanitation, access to clean drinking water, and improved hygiene practices can help prevent the spread of diarrheal diseases.
Best treatment for diarrhoea is to drink plenty of liquids, including water, broths and juices. Avoid caffeine and alcohol. Add semisolid and low-fiber foods gradually as your bowel movements return to normal. Try soda crackers, toast, eggs, rice or chicken
According to the 2009 census, there were 26.1 million and 12.5 million people of all ages living in rural and urban Kenya, respectively [23]. By applying the adjusted incidence rates in Lwak to the population in rural Kenya and those in Kibera to the population in urban Kenya, we estimate that each year, about 2.8–3.3 million, 0.45–0.54 million, and 0.77–0.95 million people across all ages in Kenya become ill with diarrheal illness in the presence of norovirus, sapovirus, and astrovirus, respectively.
6. Typhoid Fever
Typhoid fever is a bacterial infection that spreads through contaminated food and water. Symptoms include high fever, headache, stomach pain, and loss of appetite. Vaccination, safe food handling practices, and improved sanitation are essential in preventing typhoid fever.
Kenya, like many other developing countries, faces challenges in providing clean water and adequate sanitation, increasing the risk of contracting typhoid. Symptoms of typhoid can be severe and include high fever, headache, abdominal pain, and rash
As of 2019 estimates, there are 9 million cases of typhoid fever annually, resulting in about 110 000 deaths per year. Typhoid risk is higher in populations that lack access to safe water and adequate sanitation, and children are at highest risk.
7. Cholera
As of 18th July 2023, Kenya has reported a staggering 11,181 cholera cases and 196 fatalities in 26 counties. The Case Fatality Rate (CFR) stands at 1.7%, underscoring the gravity of the situation and the critical need for prompt action
The country has recorded more than 7800 cases and 122 deaths as of 26 March 2023. Kenyan health authorities launched the country’s first-ever cholera vaccination drive in February to bolster outbreak control efforts and end the disease
Cholera is an acute diarrheal disease caused by the ingestion of food or water contaminated with the bacterium Vibrio cholerae. It can spread rapidly in areas with poor sanitation and hygiene practices. Access to clean water, proper sanitation, and hygiene education are crucial in preventing cholera outbreaks.
8. Meningitis
Meningitis is an inflammation of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord. It can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or other infectious agents.
There is no specific treatment for viral meningitis. Most people who get mild viral meningitis usually recover completely in 7 to 10 days without treatment. Antiviral medicine may help people with meningitis caused by viruses such as herpesvirus and influenza
- Vaccination, early diagnosis, and prompt treatment are vital in preventing severe complications and reducing the spread of meningitis.
- Meningitis can be caused by several species of bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites. Most infections can be transmitted from person to person.
- Injuries, cancers and drugs cause a small number of cases.
- Bacterial meningitis is the most common dangerous type of meningitis and can be fatal within 24 hours.
9. Measles
Health authorities in Kenya reported 392 cases nationwide in 2022, roughly 615 cases in 2021, roughly 40 cases in 2020, and roughly 430 cases in 2019. Measles is a very contagious viral disease that spreads through respiratory droplets created when an infected individual coughs, sneezes or speaks
Measles is a highly contagious viral disease that spreads through respiratory droplets. Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent measles. Kenya has made significant progress in increasing measles immunization coverage, but outbreaks still occur, emphasizing the importance of ongoing vaccination efforts.
10. Neglected Tropical Diseases
Various neglected tropical diseases, such as schistosomiasis, lymphatic filariasis, and soil-transmitted helminthiasis, affect a significant portion of the population in Kenya.
These diseases are often linked to poverty, lack of access to clean water and sanitation, and inadequate healthcare services. Efforts to control and eliminate neglected tropical diseases are ongoing, focusing on mass drug administration, improved sanitation, and health education.
The recent emergence and re-emergence of viral infections transmitted by vectors in the country namely Chikungunya, Dengue, Yellow Fever (YF), and others is a cause for international concern. In 2021 an outbreak of Dengue Fever affected 3 counties of the coastal region – Mombasa, Kilifi, and Lamu
Nairobi sheep disease is a serious tickborne viral disease of small ruminants in Africa. It is characterized by peracute deaths and acute illness with severe hemorrhagic gastroenteritis. Ganjam virus, which circulates in Asia, is now considered a variant of the same virus.
Other Top 10 Most Reported Diseases In Kenya
Upper Respiratory Tract Infections
Skin Disease
Arthritis
Fever
Urinary Tract Infection
Hypertension
Cardiovascular Diseases
Neoplasms(Cancer)
Enteric Infections
Maternal And Neonatal Disorders
Digestive Diseases
Diabetes And Kidney Diseases
Conclusion
While Kenya faces several health challenges, efforts are being made to combat and prevent the most reported diseases. Vaccination programs, improved sanitation, access to clean water, and health education play crucial roles in reducing the burden of these diseases. By prioritizing public health and working together, Kenya can continue to make progress in improving the well-being of its population.
