Kenya has adopted evidence-based and data-driven interventions in policy decisions and the implementation of TB programmes, and the results have been encouraging, outperforming key impact measures for TB during the previous few years.
Recent statistics claim that, between 2015 and 2020, Kenya significantly reduced the number of new TB infections by 32%, substantially exceeding the global objective of 20%. The nation also outperformed the global target of 35% within the same time frame by reducing TB-related mortality by an astounding 44%.
Mary Muthoni, the Principal Secretary of the State Department for Public Health and Professional Standards, stated that Kenya is now the first nation to adopt and implement improved child-friendly TB medicines and injection-free regimens for the treatment of drug-resistant TB cases during the opening of the 4th Africa TB Summit 2023 in Nairobi.
Kenya has also taken proactive steps to improve TB diagnosis by adopting and expanding the use of WHO-approved molecular tests for TB diagnosis across all counties, an essential step in guaranteeing accurate and effective disease detection.
As stated in the National Strategic Plan, Ms. Muthoni emphasized the Ministry’s steadfast commitment to the eradication of TB and the significance of ongoing efforts at the local, regional, and global levels.
In order to properly address this public health issue, she advocated for greater collaboration among stakeholders, recognising TB as a social illness.
The Africa TB Summit 2023 has played a significant role in uniting TB control efforts across different regions of the Global TB Caucus in Africa.
It has provided a vital platform for stakeholders to explore strategic collaborations, aiming to ensure a comprehensive and impactful response to TB in the country.
