Kala-azar, a neglected tropical disease, continues to terrorize families in Pokot and Baringo counties, primarily affecting children under the age of 15. Despite being largely forgotten, the disease remains widespread in pastoralist regions, with limited public awareness and national attention.

• The disease is transmitted through sandfly bites, causing prolonged illness and disrupting education for young learners.
• Kenya has only one specialized hospital for treating kala-azar, the Kacheliba Level 4 Hospital in West Pokot, complicating access to care.
• Linet Atieno, Head of Communications at the Drugs for Neglected Diseases Initiative (DNDi), highlighted that climate change exacerbates the spread of kala-azar due to its climate-sensitive nature and challenges in diagnosis and treatment.