This archive report was first published on 16 August 2019.
March 24 marks World Tuberculosis Day, a day to raise awareness about the devastating health, social, and economic consequences of TB and to step up efforts to end the global TB epidemic.
According to a recent National Health survey, Nakuru County ranks fourth among counties with the highest Tuberculosis prevalence in Kenya.
Kenya is among the countries with the highest Tuberculosis-related infections in Africa, with 1.5 million people dying of the disease globally in 2014, as reported by the World Health Organization.
Stop TB Partnership Kenya Chief National Coordinator, Evelyn Kibuchi, attributes the high prevalence of TB to lack of awareness, which hinders effective TB treatment.
She notes that profound stigma associated with TB holds back 40% of victims from seeking treatment, unknowingly infecting others.
Dr. Jane Rahindi, a lung specialist, advises people experiencing TB symptoms to seek medical care, which is free.
Public health advocates from Nakuru County are calling on devolved units to devote resources to Tuberculosis awareness campaigns and adequate housing in an effort to scale down new infections.
