Kenya is currently facing a significant outbreak of kala-azar disease, also known as visceral leishmaniasis, which is exacerbated by climate change and the insufficient availability of diagnostic and treatment options. Reports indicate that the number of cases has surged dramatically from 1,575 in 2024 to 3,577 in 2025, raising alarms among health officials and researchers about the risks posed to millions of individuals in affected regions. The disease is transmitted by sandflies and is historically known for its high fatality rate of 95% when untreated, making prompt diagnosis and care critical for survival.

The story of Harada Hussein Abdirahman, a 60-year-old woman from Mandera County, highlights the dire consequences of inadequate healthcare infrastructure. Misdiagnosed for an entire year, she endured extreme suffering while herding her livestock, believing she was facing death. Her experience underscores the broader issue of diagnostic failures in a landscape where only three treatment centers exist, placing vulnerable populations at an even greater risk. Health experts caution that misconceptions in testing could result in fatal outcomes, with many patients suffering from delayed or incorrect treatment.

Compounding these challenges is the impact of climate change on kala-azar's transmission dynamics. According to Dr. Cherinet Adera, changes in climate patterns are expanding the habitats suitable for sandflies, which in turn increases the risk of disease transmission. The combination of prolonged droughts followed by episodic rainfall creates an ideal breeding environment for these vectors, leading to higher incidences of kala-azar outbreaks. With the situation worsening and healthcare resources stretched thin, immediate intervention is necessary to prevent further escalation of this public health crisis.