Kakuma : malaria kills silently in a camp in distress

SOS Médias Burundi

Kakuma, May 20, 2026 — Refugees in the Kakuma camp in northwestern Kenya are facing an alarming resurgence of malaria. The disease is spreading rapidly in the camp, while health facilities are overwhelmed and facing a shortage of essential medicines.

According to a medical source at the general referral hospital known as “Seven,” nearly 90% of patients received and examined test positive for malaria.

“They arrive when the disease is already at an advanced stage, which complicates treatment. Those most affected are children under five and pregnant women,” the source stated.

Self-medication in the face of drug shortages

Faced with a shortage of medication in healthcare facilities, many refugees are turning to private pharmacies in the camp rather than seeking medical care.

“At the hospital, there are no medications. They only give us paracetamol. The stock is empty. So, we buy our own medication as soon as symptoms appear,” explains a Burundian refugee.

Healthcare workers acknowledge the supply difficulties but warn against self-medication, which complicates patient care.

“We can control fever, provide follow-up care, and adjust treatment if necessary. Severe cases are treated, but we strongly advise patients to seek medical care,” emphasizes a medical volunteer.

A situation exacerbated by living conditions

The situation is exacerbated by the rainy season, which encourages the proliferation of mosquitoes, as well as by the precarious living conditions in the Kakuma camp.

Refugees and medical personnel are calling on the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) to increase resources allocated to the health sector, particularly for the supply of medicines.

According to several sources, budget cuts, including the Trump administration’s decision to freeze and reduce several forms of international aid funding, have severely impacted the capacity of humanitarian partners to respond to health emergencies.

The Kakuma camp hosts more than 200,000 refugees, many of whom are Burundians.