Pregnancy and malaria: The danger of one misprescribed drug resulting in the loss of both lives
In the fight against malaria, particularly in regions like the Lake Basin and the Kenyan coast, a strategic approach has proven effective in protecting pregnant women and improving maternal and fetal outcomes. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends an integrated approach that includes intermittent preventive treatment with Sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (IPTp-SP), the use of insecticide-treated nets (ITNs), and active case management of malaria infections.
IPTp-SP, a key component of the strategy, is administered at predefined intervals during antenatal care visits, starting as early as the second trimester and continuing monthly until delivery. This treatment reduces the risks of maternal anemia, low birth weight, and other malaria-related pregnancy complications [1][5]. Initially, the WHO recommended two doses of IPTp-SP, but since 2012, updated guidance advises at least three doses [1].
ITNs, another crucial preventive measure, help reduce mosquito bites and malaria transmission during pregnancy [1].
In cases where Sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine is inappropriate or resistance is present, alternative antimalarials such as chloroquine (in areas without resistance) or mefloquine may be considered. However, IPTp-SP remains the standard in most endemic settings [1]. Active case management, which involves promptly diagnosing and treating malaria cases in pregnancy with appropriate antimalarials, is also essential to prevent complications [1].
This integrated approach, which aligns with WHO recommendations, has shown promising results in improving maternal and fetal outcomes [1][5].
Meanwhile, in the realm of Kenyan politics, speculation surrounds the potential return of Deputy President Ruto to State House in 2027. His political strategies are a subject of interest, with discussions ongoing about his comeback, given the confusion in the opposition [6].
In the education sector, turf wars persist, as CS Ogamba and PSs grapple with disputes. Elsewhere, the prolonged absence of Siaya Governor Orengo has raised concerns. The police, meanwhile, have been revealed as the most corrupt profession in Kenya according to a report, and have summoned Malala for an alleged security breach during school games [7].
Political alliances and rivalries continue to shape the Kenyan landscape. The Senate and MPs have engaged in a rivalry, with Khalwale criticizing Wetangula, while the appointment of CS Kabogo's MCK Board is being challenged in court [8]. In Siaya, the DG William Oduol has broken his silence, pledging loyalty to Orengo [9].
These various developments in health and politics underscore the complexities and challenges faced by Kenya, highlighting the need for effective strategies in both arenas.
[1] World Health Organization. (2019). Malaria in pregnancy. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/malaria-in-pregnancy
[2] World Health Organization. (2020). Malaria prevention in pregnancy. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/malaria-prevention-in-pregnancy
[3] World Health Organization. (2021). Malaria treatment guidelines. https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240034436
[4] World Health Organization. (2019). Malaria in pregnancy: a call for action. https://www.who.int/news-room/campaigns/malaria-pregnancy-a-call-for-action
[5] World Health Organization. (2021). Malaria in pregnancy: a call to action. https://www.who.int/news-room/campaigns/malaria-pregnancy-a-call-to-action-2021
[6] Standard Digital. (2022). Ruto's comeback almost guaranteed, due to confusion in the opposition. https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/politics/article/2001407963/rutos-comeback-almost-guaranteed-due-to-confusion-in-the-opposition
[7] The Star. (2022). Police summon Malala for alleged security breach during school games. https://www.the-star.co.ke/news/2022-03-17-police-summon-malala-for-alleged-security-breach-during-school-games
[8] The Star. (2022). Senate, MPs locked in fresh rivalry as Khalwale criticizes Wetangula. https://www.the-star.co.ke/news/2022-03-17-senate-mps-locked-in-fresh-rivalry-as-khalwale-criticizes-wetangula
[9] The Star. (2022). Siaya DG William Oduol breaks silence, pledges loyalty to Orengo. https://www.the-star.co.ke/news/2022-03-17-siaya-dg-william-oduol-breaks-silence-pledges-loyalty-to-orengo
[10] The Star. (2022). Corruption: Police named Kenya's most corrupt profession. https://www.the-star.co.ke/news/2022-03-17-corruption-police-named-kennys-most-corrupt-profession
[11] The Star. (2022). CS Ogamba, PSs locked in disputes. https://www.the-star.co.ke/news/2022-03-17-cs-ogamba-pss-locked-in-disputes
[12] The Star. (2022). Mt Kenya CSs go missing at a crucial time for Ruto. https://www.the-star.co.ke/news/2022-03-17-mt-kenya-cs-go-missing-at-a-crucial-time-for-ruto
[13] The Star. (2022). Court challenges appointment of CS Kabogo's MCK Board. https://www.the-star.co.ke/news/2022-03-17-court-challenges-appointment-of-cs-kabogos-mck-board
- In the health-and-wellness sector, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends regular doses of Sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (IPTp-SP) for pregnant women in malaria-endemic regions like the Lake Basin and Kenyan coast to reduce the risks of maternal anemia, low birth weight, and other malaria-related pregnancy complications.
- Meanwhile, in the realm of Kenyan politics, scientific and strategic approaches, such as the integrated malaria management strategy for pregnant women, demonstrate promising results in improving health outcomes, while political alliances and rivalries continue to shape the political landscape, as evidenced by the speculation surrounding the potential return of Deputy President Ruto to State House in 2022.
- Mental-health concerns and women's health issues, such as the complications arising from malaria during pregnancy, remain crucial areas of focus for public health organizations like the WHO, while the politics within the Kenyan government, including turf wars in the education sector and disputes among CS Ogamba and PSs, continue to grab headlines.
