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About one million people in Western Kenya are at a risk of contracting sleeping sickness.
Sleeping sickness is spreading fast in Busia County, with the last case being reported in Obekai area of Teso South sub-County.
The revelation was made over the weekend during the Nambale Dairy Farmers Field day held at Mundembu in Sikinga sub-Location, that attracted over 200 farmers.
CONCERTED EFFORT
Chief Executive Officer, Kenya Tsetse and Trypanosomiasis Eradication Council (KENTTEC) Pamela Olet warned that the fatal disease could threaten food security and livelihoods in the entire region.
"Tsetse fly infestation and sleeping sickness infections have a negative impact on agriculture, which is the backbone of livelihoods in this region," Ms Olet noted.
She called for concerted effort in dealing with the disease, which affects both livestock and man.
The officer in charge of Monitoring and Evaluation at KENTTEC, Seth Onyango said the setback has been re-infestation of reclaimed areas whenever control measures are taken.
"This problem recurs due to budgetary constraints and unco-ordinated efforts. We need partners to supplement our efforts," he said.
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