Poor sanitation, hygiene to blame for cholera hike in Homa Bay and Migori

A cholera outbreak last month in Migori and Homa Bay counties that left scores dead has been blamed on poor sanitation. According to health officials from the two counties, most homes and eateries lack toilet and latrine facilities, and residents often relieve themselves in the bush; when it rains, the faeces are carried into rivers, hence the spread. In addition, according to health officials, residences and eateries lack running water, which has worsened an already bad hygiene problem in the two counties. Besides, there is a high prevalence of poor personal hygiene which has played a major role in the spread of the disease.

WaterAid, an intervention non-profit making organisation formed in 1981 by the UN to champion for increased access to clean drinking water in the world says, 16 million Kenyans still lack access to safe water. Half the population live below the poverty line and millions lack basic toilets. So far, more than 600 cases have been diagnosed.