November 7 – 11, 2022, CHS through its United States Agency for International Development (USAID) supported Tuberculosis Accelerated Response and Care II (TB ARC II), in collaboration with the Ministry of Health’s National TB Program, Stop TB Partnership-Kenya, various counties and institutions of higher learning reviewed the 2021 Integrated Guidelines for Management of TB, Leprosy and Lung Disease. The review is in line with the National Strategic Plan for Tuberculosis, Leprosy and Lung Health 2019– 2023 end term review findings, WHO’S regional Green Light Committee (rGLC) recommendations, the 2022 World Health Organisation (WHO) guidelines, and various technical assistance missions recommendations.
Tuberculosis is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in Kenya affecting all age groups with affected households facing catastrophic costs. The disease burden is greatest among people in the economically productive age group; 25 to 44 years. 40-50% of TB cases are missed in Kenya. This is worst among children (65%) and drug resistant TB where 65% and 80% of cases are missed respectively. The missed cases continue to transmit disease in the community and present late in the facility with advanced disease.
Additionally, the country is in the post elimination phase of Leprosy however; the Coast and Western regions continue to report Leprosy cases every year. Major gaps still exist in the detection and management of TB, Leprosy and other Lung diseases. The integrated guideline was developed in 2021 to address identified gaps by providing evidence based guidance to the health care workers at all levels in the prevention, diagnosis and management of TB, Leprosy and Lung Disease. It further serves as a reference document for them and other stakeholders involved in TB, Leprosy and Lung Disease control in the country.
CHS – USAID TB ARC II activity is targeted at reducing the incidence, and TB related morbidity, and mortality in line with the End the TB epidemic in Kenya targets.
