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Survivor Fights Parasite's Deadly Comeback
18 Dec, 2025
Summary
- Andrew Ochieng survived visceral leishmaniasis as a child.
- The disease, known locally as Kala-azar, can be devastating.
- Ochieng now mobilizes communities to prevent its spread.
Andrew Ochieng's personal battle against visceral leishmaniasis, locally known as Kala-azar, fuels his mission to protect others from this little-known killer. As a child, he endured weeks of sickness and painful traditional healing attempts before receiving medical treatment that involved numerous injections. This harrowing experience has left him with lasting scars but also with an unyielding resolve.
Today, Ochieng works as a community mobiliser for the non-profit Drugs for Neglected Diseases Initiative (DNDi). Equipped with medical testing kits, he travels extensively on his motorbike across the rural areas bordering Kenya and Uganda. His work focuses on raising awareness about Kala-azar and providing vital resources to affected communities.
His efforts are crucial in a region where the disease's devastating impact is often underestimated. Ochieng's journey from victim to dedicated healthcare advocate highlights the importance of addressing neglected tropical diseases and preventing widespread suffering through proactive community engagement.
