INTRODUCTION.

The Food Poisoning Disaster started on 8/4/04 and affected parts of Kibwezi Deanery which covers Makindu, Kibwezi, Kambu and Mutito Andei Parishes.
There were 35 reported deaths, over 50% of the affected being children under 18 years and the rest were adults, the oldest was 75 years.

CAUSE OF DEATHS.

The cause of the 35 deaths was Hepatitis (liver damage) caused by food poisoning, in this case occasioned by AFLOTOXIN – a toxin found on maize which has been stored poorly – (by ‘poorly’ here it means on damp conditions).

EXTENSE OF THE DISASTER.

From the first day of the reported cases, all of whom were referred to and handled in Makindu Sub District Hospital of Makueni District, 65 cases were admitted (upto to Friday 28/5/04). Of the 65 admitted cases, 35 of them died (54%).
Children under 18 years number 21 and the other 14 cases are Adults.
The reason why more children died is that, children have lower resistance (immunity) to poisons, hence they are affected more readily and severely.

The areas mostly affected were Kambu and Mtito Andei parishes. Although there are scanty cases in Kibwezi and Makindu Parishes. Majority of the deaths occurred in the parts near Athi River (boarding Kitui) for example in Ulilinzi, Mukaange and surrounding areas. Our Priests in Mtito Andei and Kambu have buried some of the dead. There was one case from Kathonzweni Parish (Kiangini area) and two in Nguu – (Matiliku Parish).

The affected area has missed harvest for two seasons running (2003 and 2004).
They have to rely on either relief food from the Government or buying from the shops.
At the moment no Organization is supplementing the Government efforts in giving relief food.

SOURCE OF THE BAD MAIZE.

It has not been established for sure the source of the bad maize which had the toxin (Aflotoxin) which caused the 35 deaths.
But there are 3 theories being advanced by the people in those areas.

(1) Poorly stored maize which may have been sold by a lorry from Loitokitok. Due to the condition of the maize, the maize owners may have sold the grain cheaply, thus enticing people to buy.

(2) Poorly stored maize by the Local maize dealers who buy maize during harvest and store them in their poorly ventilated stores only to sell to people when there is maize shortage.

(3) Relief food which may have been stored for a long time in poor conditions before distribution.

As at now, no authoritative report has been given as to the actual source of the bad maize.

But, it is a known fact that, the poisoning (AFLOTOXIN) was from bad maize which had been consumed by the affected persons, either inform of flour or Githeri.

PRESENT SITUATION.

For the last one week (upto Friday 28/5/04) there has not been newly reported deaths. But, at the moment, there are 13 admitted cases, the last two having been admitted as late as today (Friday 28/5/04).
Those admitted are said to be out of danger but are still being treated.

As for deaths which may have occurred at home, the Government has surveillance mechanisms and all are included in the number quoted above, (65 admissions, 35 deaths, 17 discharged, still 13 admitted).

WAYFORWARD.

The Government Public Health personnel are busy educating the people on the proper storage of food and how to identify spoilt grains.

The challenge is that, though the people are starving, some are now refusing to eat maize, (incase it is also bad maize). The Public Health people are now trying to encourage people to keep eating maize but to be careful what they eat.

RECOMMENDATION.

It is not easy to give a very suitable recommendation particularly looking at the condition of the people - (poor, starving and imminent drought), but, the Church can take up the challenge of Education to people to watch the food they eat. If it is possible, look for partners who can support the church in giving some relief food to the affected areas, especially the very dry areas of Southern Makindu, Kibwezi, Kambu and Mtito Andei, to supplement GOK relief food.

APPEAL.

The Catholic Church in Machakos Diocese appeals to all people of good will to be assisted to extend a kind hand to the affected areas.
The Church would want to give help inform of:-

(1) Relief Food – Maize, Beans, Cooking oil and Nutritious flour - Unimix (for the under 5 years).

(2) Further sensitization meetings on “identifying bad maize and what to do if affected” (collaboration with GOK).

(3) Medical support to those who are vulnerable after the disaster.

Report Compiled by,
Francis Kikolya
Development Co-Ordinator

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For: Rt. Rev. Martin Kivuva
BISHOP OF MACHAKOS.