Drug injection linked to high Hepatitis C burden in Lamu
Health officials in Lamu, Kenya, are reporting a high prevalence of Hepatitis C among the older population, specifically linked to intravenous drug use. Authorities have launched mass screening programs to address the crisis.
Why it matters
It highlights a localized public health crisis driven by substance abuse and the need for targeted medical intervention in vulnerable communities.
Lamu County is recording a high burden of Hepatitis C among the older population.
The infections are linked to the injection of drugs.
The affected victims are aged between 40 and 70, with infections reported among both men and women.
Dr Khadija Hassan, Viral Hepatitis and STI Lead at the National AIDS and STI Control Programme (NASCOP), said many of those infected have a history of injecting themselves with drugs.
Dr Hassan explained that injecting drugs exposes individuals to Hepatitis C through shared needles and other equipment.
"What is more worrying is that we are recording high cases of Hepatitis C in the older population," she said.
She said that the majority of men infected are seamen and beach boys.
Dr Hassan revealed that most of the victims use drugs to cope with stress.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in