State ropes in community health promoters to control TB

The government is strengthening its partnership with grassroots stakeholders to reduce TB infections, Health CS Susan Nakhumicha has said.

She said community health workers and other grassroots stakeholders play a pivotal role in raising awareness and conducting TB screening.

They provide directly observed treatment support to TB patients and ensure those affected are linked to care and support services.

The CS said the government is keen on strengthening its partnership with grassroots stakeholders to reach every corner of the country with TB services, especially in underserved and hard-to-reach areas.

Nakhumicha said TB is one of the key services provided by community health promoters as they serve as the first line of defence in identifying and addressing cases.

She spoke at Kimorori grounds in Kenol, Murang’a county, during marking of World TB Day.

Nakhumicha urged Kenyans to seek early treatment, saying early detection and adherence to treatment are critical in overcoming the disease.

“Let us break the silence and stigma surrounding TB and empower those who are affected to seek help without fear or shame. By fostering a culture of openness and support, we can create an enabling environment for patients to access the care and services they need to overcome it,” the CS said.

In 2023, she said, TB claimed the lives of 1.3 million people globally and is currently the fourth leading cause of death in the country.

"TB remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in our nation. The fight against it demands a multi-sectoral approach, recognising the complex interplay of social, economic and environmental factors that contribute to the spread and impact of the disease,” the CS said.

Nakhumicha urged all sectors to work together and integrate TB services into broader development agenda and ensure its prevention, diagnosis and treatment are embedded in policies and programmes.

She said the government has launched the National Strategic Plan for TB to guide donor investments.

“I acknowledge the tremendous support we have received from the Global Fund, the US government, the World Health Organization, Pepfar and our implementing partners,” Nakhumicha said.

She said the government will continue strengthening health systems and expanding access to quality TB services.

“Up to 27 per cent of TB patients continue to suffer catastrophic costs due to TB. As we accelerate our efforts towards reaching the End TB goals, we will ensure that TB services are accessible and affordable to all irrespective of where they seek health services,” Nakhumicha said.

“We will work to include TB services in the Social Health Insurance benefits package. I urge all Kenyans to register so they can benefit from this support.”

Murang’a Governor Irungu Kang’ata said poverty is one of the main driving factors of TB infections.

He said his administration is implementing programmes aimed at uplifting the living standards of residents, including the dairy and mangoes subsidy programmes and the Murang’a Youth Service that provides jobs to thousands of youths.

Kangema MP Peter Kihungi urged the government to work with community health promoters to have Kenyans tested in their homes and those found infected referred to hospitals to reduce the rate of infections.