The Tuberculosis Accelerated Response and Care TB ARC activity supported the installation of 20 GeneXpert Machines across various health facilities in the country.
The GeneXpert machines, procured by USAID, are expected to help improve the surveillance and diagnosis of TB amongst vulnerable populations in Kenya.The installations were carried out by a team consisting of TB ARC Laboratory Technical Officer, Sheila Chebore, NTLD-Unit Lab Coordinator, Obadiah Njuguna and Jeremiah Okari, NTLD-Unit Lab Coordinator. IT specialists from the NTLD-Unit Martin Githomi and Margaret Ndisha also accompanied the team to help install the GeneXpert online reporting system.
Two application specialists from Caroga Diagnostics Kenya helped in the installation, validation and training of the GeneXpert System. In addition to the installation and calibration, the team took time to familiarise the health care workers on the XpertMtb/Rif technology and train the laboratory personnel within the health facilities to operate and use the new diagnostic technology.
Speaking on the role of effective diagnostics in TB Control,TB ARC Laboratory Technical Officer, Sheila Chebore said,“Diagnosis of drug resistant TB relies on mycobacterial culture and drug sensitivity testing (DST) that takes a long time, during this time patients may be inappropriately treated, drug-resistant strains may continue to spread, and amplification of resistance may occur”
“The GeneXpert MTB/Rif assay is a rapid test which identifies both the presence of the M. tuberculosis bacteria and resistance to rifampicin in a single test. This can enable early and appropriate treatment initiation, as well as accelerating the implementation of MDR-TB control measures, and ultimately reducing TB case incidence.” Ms Chebore added.
To increase the efficiency of the GeneXpert machines, the team installed a GeneXpert online reporting system popularly known as the GXalert online reporting system in 26 health facilities across the country. The GXalert installation, which was done in partnership with the Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI), TB ARC and NTLD-Unit, is expected to revolutionize the speed and manner in which way TB
diagnostic results are dispatched to the end users.
Commenting on the GXalert System, TB ARC Deputy Chief of Party, Dr Brenda Mungai said, “ The GXalert system will help ensure real time delivery of test results thus reducing time lag between testing and treatment commencement.
“The GXalert online reporting system is also expected to help monitor utilization and error rates of the GeneXpert Machines since the software allows for the equipment to remotely post data, both diagnostic and logistical, into the cloud server for consumption by the National TB Unit. “ she added.
There are currently 70 GeneXpert Mchines installed in Kenya today. With the installation, validation and training on the use of the machines, Kenya can now guarantee quick and effective TB diagnosis particularly among the vulnerable groups of children, MDR clients and People Living with HIV among others.
