This archive report was first published on 30 June 2020.
On June 30, 2020, the Kenyan government unveiled two policy documents aimed at combating Tuberculosis in the country.
The documents, which align with the World Health Organization's (WHO) call to eliminate injectables from the MDR-TB treatment regimen, focus on the rollout of a regimen for the treatment of MDR-TB devoid of injections.
Additionally, the policy documents address preventive treatment of latent TB infection, which has proven to be an effective intervention in curbing the development of active TB disease.
According to the WHO, Tuberculosis remains a global and national public health concern, with 104 million people infected worldwide and nearly 1.5 million deaths each year.
In Kenya, TB is the fifth leading cause of death, with 86,504 cases reported and treated in 2019, of which approximately 10% were children.
Chief Administrative Secretary in the Ministry of Health Dr. Rashid Aman noted that despite TB diagnosis and treatment being offered free of charge in public and faith-based organizations' facilities, not all infected individuals are reached, and therefore, do not receive the required care.
Dr. Rudi Eggers, WHO Country Representative, emphasized the importance of maintaining other health services even as the country combats COVID-19.
The Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI) has donated 43,000 latent TB treatments, with 4,000 already delivered and distributed to hospitals countrywide.
Country Director in Kenya for CHAI Dr. Macharia commended the programme, stating that they have worked together for the last six years to bring about the policies and commit to lowering the cost of treatment.
Dr. Macharia also committed to making TB testing more accessible and affordable, with a goal of reducing the current cost of Ksh 4,500 to Ksh 1,500.
