WORLD TB DAY – KENYAN EDITION
Yes, We can end TB!
This year’s World TB Day commemoration in Kenya brought together stakeholders at Kimorori grounds in Murang’a County to declare their interest and commitment in the fight against TB. In attendance were representatives from the national government, including the Cabinet Secretary for Health Hon. Susan Nakhumicha and Principal secretary for Public Health and Professional Standards Hon. Mary Muthoni, County Government officials, Global Partners. Global Fund, USAID, WHO; CSOs, Community Health workers and communities were in attendance.
All the speakers emphasised a multisectoral approach to tackling TB because it impacts all sectors of Kenya’s economy, including the education sector. Moreover, there was a common view on the need to include innovation in diagnosis and treatment of TB. Despite notable progress, TB remains a persistent public health challenge in Kenya, with the country being among the 30 high-burden nations for TB.
Stop TB Partnership Kenya National Coordinator, Evaline Kibuchi
Stop TB Partnership Kenya National Coordinator, Evaline Kibuchi applauded the government for its continued support of the fight and urged legislators to continue involving TB in societal conversations. She asked the president, through the Cabinet secretary, to prioritise the government’s fight against TB by increasing Kenya’s health budget, thus increasing resources for health and for TB in particular.
Cabinet Secretary for Health, Hon. Susan N. Nakumicha
The Cabinet Secretary, Hon. Nakhumicha applauded Community Health Workers for their good job in fighting TB at the grassroots level through raising awareness and offering community support. She also appreciated the efforts of global partners in the fight against TB. “As a ministry, we’re shifting our healthcare investment focus from curative to promotive and preventive services. By prioritizing these services, we’ll intensify the fight against TB as we work closely with our collaborators to secure a healthier future for all.” CS Nakhumicha.
The event was marked by a march to stand in solidarity with communities affected by TB, and honor lives that were lost to TB. There were several TB diagnostic stations that were testing for the infectious disease, as well as celebrating the progress made in prevention and treatment of TB.
Phillip Nyakwana, Chair Non State Actors Kenya (left),WACI Health’s Executive Director, Rosemary Mburu (centre), Ag. Director General MoH, Dr. Sultani Matendechero (right)
Indeed, we can end TB, everyone has a role to play towards ending TB.