January 22, 2024, Centre for Health Solutions – Kenya (CHS) joined the Ministry of Health National TB Program in the launch of National Strategic Plan for TB, Leprosy and Lung Health 2023/24 – 2027/28.
The launch chief guest, Principal Secretary, State Department for Public Health and Professional Standards, Mary Muthoni noted that the launch of the strategic plan is a testament to the commitment of the Ministry of Health and its valued stakeholders towards putting an end to the devastating impact of TB on communities.
“The strategic plan does not only acknowledge the existing challenges in TB control but also proposes practical interventions to address the root causes of these barriers. Partnership and accountability are identified as key pillars, emphasising the need for a united front in this battle. Moreover, the plan provides a clear elimination of barriers, costed interventions, and activities, positioning itself as a comprehensive guide for tackling TB in Kenya,” PS Muthoni said.
USAID Kenya Health Population and Nutrition Director, John Kuehnle said that the National Strategic Plan for TB is an important step toward eliminating TB in Kenya, building on the progress achieved to date in improved case detection and improved treatment outcomes.
“The National TB Strategic Plan provides a roadmap for achieving our targets. It guides us in expanding successful approaches, adopting new initiatives, and moving closer to our goal of ending TB,” John said.
WHO Kenya Country Representative, Dr Abdourahmane Diallo shared that the development of the Strategic Plan was informed by the latest WHO global guidance on the development process, reflecting a meticulous consideration of fundamental principles of TB planning and programming for epidemic response and control, while placing individuals and communities at the forefront of TB interventions.
“The Strategic Plan aligns seamlessly with the Global WHO-END TB strategy, whose overarching goal is to reduce the incidence of TB, preventing deaths from the disease, and mitigating the catastrophic economic costs associated with TB-related illness,” Dr Abdourahmane said.
Also launched during the event was the first ever TB Laboratory Operational Plan and Quality Management Framework in Kenya, that will strengthen laboratory systems and operations; and a simplified Diagnostic Algorithm for children and the shorter, Four-Month Paediatric Regimen for TB treatment, representing a pioneering effort to address the unique healthcare needs of children affected by this infectious disease.
Since 2012, CHS has been a present partner with the National TB Program, collaborating in health system strengthening support across the country aimed at reducing morbidity and mortality related to TB and respiratory conditions. The collaboration has now spanned three national strategic country plans.
Through the joint efforts of CHS with funding support from USAID, the National TB Program, counties and implementing partners, numerous successful interventions have been implemented, like new innovative tools for scaling up TB active case finding, among others, leading to improved access to diagnosis, treatment, and care for affected individuals.
The launch of Kenya’s National Strategic Plan 2023/24–2027/28 opens a new era of commitment and determination in our fight against TB. This Strategic Plan is the culmination of lessons learned, extensive research, collaboration, and input from various stakeholders, including government agencies, healthcare professionals, and civil society organisations. CHS is particularly honoured to be part of this process and occasion.
