Rethinking Healing: A Dramatic Prelude to Change

In a gripping scene reminiscent of a play, a preacher declares that a man gravely ill with malaria must not be taken to a hospital, insisting instead on healing from ‘above’. As the man's health deteriorates, he ultimately succumbs to the disease under the strict care of misguided faith.

A health worker speaks at the man’s funeral, lamenting the loss and urging the community to prioritize proper medical treatment and vaccinations.

A Call to Action Through Performance

This poignant sketch, performed by the Kenya Malaria Youth Corps (KeMYC) in Naivasha, mirrors the harsh reality in many communities where religious beliefs overshadow medical care, sometimes with fatal consequences. Eliud Wanjala, a passionate member of KeMYC, emphasizes the power of performed art in resonating with audiences. ‘It’s easier to remember a performance than a pamphlet,’ he explains.

The Malaria Epidemic: A Nation at Risk

Malaria continues to plague Kenya, accounting for 13-15% of health consultations, with 70% of the population at risk. Approximately 13 million reside in endemic areas, alongside another 19 million in seasonal transmission regions, according to the 2020 Kenya Malaria Indicator Survey.

Empowering Youth for Change

Founded in 2021 by former President Uhuru Kenyatta under the African Leaders Malaria Alliance (ALMA), KeMYC strives to eradicate malaria through grassroots initiatives and engaging the youth. The group has quickly established a presence across eight regions.

John Mwangi, the country lead for KeMYC, shares their mission: ‘Our strategy is guided by community-led action and youth involvement, utilizing innovative approaches instead of traditional public health messaging.’

From TikTok to Reality: Engaging the Younger Generation

Wanjala, a local mobilizer in high-malaria Kakamega, embodies the spirit of this movement. Since joining KeMYC, he has actively sought venues for performances and awareness campaigns, sparking dialogue about malaria prevention.

Their TikTok page, gaining traction with nearly 7,000 likes, combines entertaining content such as quizzes, dances, and informative discussions, all with an urgent message: ‘Zero malaria starts with me.’

Boosting Community Trust and Collaboration

KeMYC’s commitment to community engagement has forged partnerships with health workers and Ministry of Health officials, enhancing the credibility of their message. Community health promoter Jackline Vutita notes a remarkable shift: ‘Usually, health work was done by women, with few men. Now the youth are stepping up, bringing energy and innovative outreach methods.’

Vaccination Successes: A Glimmer of Hope

In 2024, Mumias West Level 4 hospital reported a significant decline in malaria cases among children under five, attributed to rising vaccination numbers. This success follows the collective efforts of health workers and advocates like Miriam Akinyi, who hosts community podcasts sharing success stories about vaccination adherence.

Akinyi remarks, ‘Podcasting allows us to address specific issues affecting different regions, enabling communities to share their experiences and foster a support network.’

The Road Ahead: A Pan-African Campaign

All these initiatives contribute to the ‘Zero Malaria Starts With Me’ campaign, a pan-African effort seeking to eradicate the disease. Akinyi reflects on their impact: ‘In the first quarter of this year alone, we engaged over 1,000 adults. It’s a gradual process, but we’re optimistic that the forthcoming Kenya Malaria Indicator Survey will showcase our hard work.’