On November 29, 2021, Centre for Health Solutions – Kenya (CHS) and National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to enhance access to TB services among the target population served by NACADA at the Miritini Rehabilitation Centre, Mombasa County.
“This partnership will go a long way in ensuring that we deliver quality TB services among people who are at an increased risk to TB due to behaviours that compromise their immune system,” said Dr Paul Wekesa, the CHS Chief Executive Officer.
Mr Victor Okioma, Chief Executive Officer, NACADA, noted through the partnership, CHS and NACADA will develop and conduct activities relating to aspects of alcohol and drug abuse campaigns, including information exchange, TB service delivery, and awareness creation.
CHS, through the USAID funded TB ARC II activity, will be responsible for several functions, including; creating awareness on TB disease within the NACADA rehabilitation centre in Miritini, screening and linking people seeking treatment at the rehabilitation centre to TB treatment and notification health facilities and documenting TB patients treatment journeys.
The partnership target population includes people who inject drugs and suffer from substance use disorders.
The MOU underscores CHS and NACADA concerted efforts and collaboration in the fight against alcohol and drug abuse. It also reaffirms CHS’s commitment to utilising strategic partnerships to continue serving communities across Kenya by implementing evidence-based interventions while strengthening all the core components of the health systems.