Rédaction Africa Links 24 with JOHN MUCHANGI
Published on 2024-01-30 08:04:59
According to an analysis by the Ministry of Health, there may be at least 40,000 undiagnosed tuberculosis cases in Kenya. This is concerning as the disease can easily spread through sneezing or coughing by a person carrying the bacteria. Despite progress in diagnosing TB, many people with active cases are never diagnosed or treated, leading to preventable deaths.
Mary Muthoni, the Medical Services PS, stated that in 2022, an estimated 42,000 Kenyans with active TB were never diagnosed or treated, which is a significant increase from the 77,854 cases reported in 2021. This represents only 68% of the estimated 133,000 TB cases, leaving 32% undiagnosed and untreated.
Delay in seeking care due to mild symptoms, such as cough, fever, night sweats, and weight loss, can lead to the transmission of the bacteria to others. Individuals suffering from TB can infect 10 to 15 others through close contact in one year. Without proper treatment, up to two-thirds of those afflicted will die, as reported by the World Health Organization.
The emergence of drug-resistant TB cases, totaling 756, emphasizes the need for a comprehensive and coordinated response. The Ministry of Health aims to utilize the new TB Strategic Plan 2024-2028 to raise funds to fight tuberculosis in Kenya, as external funding has been shrinking.
Dr. Abdourahmane Diallo, the WHO country representative, acknowledged Kenya’s progress in reducing TB incidence and mortality, with a 38% reduction in TB incidence and a 54% reduction in TB deaths reported in 2022 compared to 2015. Despite being among the seven high TB burden countries globally, Kenya has exceeded the End TB Strategy milestone for TB incidence and mortality.
It is important for Kenya to continue its efforts to combat TB and seek resource mobilization across all sectors, including the private sector, to support the new strategic plan. With the new plan in place, there is hope for improved diagnosis, treatment, and ultimately, a reduction in undiagnosed and untreated cases of TB in the country.
