By Jeff Otieno And Mike Mwaniki

Nairobi, December 23, 2006 - The Government yesterday launched an intensive programme to control Rift Valley Fever, which has killed 11 people in North Eastern Province.

Mohamed Mohamud of Korakora divison , Garissa , lies at Garissa general hospital after he was diagnised to be having Rift Valley fever . So far 11 people have died of the disease in the district.

The programme comprises the distribution of more than 10,000 insecticide treated nets, wide-scale spraying of infected areas, distribution of drugs and other medical supplies and health education.

The money to cater for the programme will be drawn from emergency funds of the ministries of Health and Special Programmes.

The measures were announced by Health minister Charity Ngilu and her Livestock counterpart Joseph Munyao.

Mrs Ngilu, who spoke at Afya House yesterday, said health and veterinary officers had been sent to the affected areas to help control the spread of the disease.

The minister identified Shanta-Abaq, Fafi and Korakora as the most affected areas.

Of the 12 recorded cases, 11 had resulted in deaths.

"Seven deaths have occurred in the community and four at Garissa Provincial General Hospital in the past two weeks," said the minister.

Sixteen blood samples had been taken from patients for investigations at the Kenya Medical Research Institute laboratories before the disease was confirmed to be Rift Valley Fever.

Mr Munyao asked residents not to move from one place to another and avoid close contact with animals until the disease was fully controlled.

However, in Nairobi, two MPs from North Eastern criticised the minister's advice.

Mr Billow Kerrow and Mr Yusuf Haji said at Parliament Buildings that people from the affected areas depended on livestock for their livelihood "and cannot be separated from the animals".

"The Government should move fast and supply treated mosquito nets, drugs and other supplies required to stem the spread of this highly contagious disease," said Mr Kerrow.

He accused the Health ministry of failing to supply the nets and drugs to treat cholera and other water-borne diseases following the flooding in most parts of northern Kenya. Mr Munyao said a sustained vaccination campaign would be launched targeting the disease-prone areas.

Source: The Nation