The launch of the National Strategic Plan for Tuberculosis, Leprosy, and Lung Health in Kenya is expected to address the challenges posed by TB which remains a leading infectious cause of death globally.
According to Public Health and Professional Standards Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni, who presided over the launch, The government is committed to eradicate Tuberculosis (TB) by 2030.
PS Muthoni however regretted that the disease has become the leading killer in the country, killing more people than HIV/Aids and malaria combined.
She said in 2022 Kenya reported a total of 90,560 Drug-Sensitive Tuberculosis (DSTB) cases, where 8.3% were previously treated. This represented a 16.6% increase compared to 77,854 notified DSTB patients in 2021.
“The country has made commendable progress in reducing TB incidence and mortality, as demonstrated by a 32% decline in TB incidence and a 42% reduction in mortality between 2015 and 2020,” she said.
She added: “Despite these achievements, the country continues to face challenges, and the launch will introduce crucial strategies and interventions, including the National Strategic Plan for Tuberculosis, Leprosy, and Lung Health 2023/24 – 2027/28”.
According to the WHO Global TB Report, 2021 Kenya was one of the high TB burden countries that achieved WHO’s End TB Strategy milestone for 2020 with a 32% reduction in TB incidence compared to 2015, against a target of 20%. Further, the country also achieved a 44% reduction in the number of TB deaths compared to 2015, against a target of 35%.
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