Nairobi Kenya, 23 March 2012 -- As a build up to this year’s World TB Day commemorations, the country held a media briefing to sensitize the public and the media fraternity on national issues related to the TB epidemic. This year’s national celebration commemorated “calling for a TB-Free Kenya through sustainable financing” were held in both Nairobi on 21st March and in Thika district on Saturday 24th.

During a media briefing held at the Kenyatta International Conference Centre (KICC) on the 21st March, the Minister for Public Health and Sanitation, Hon. Beth Mugo noted that the country had made progress in the fight against TB, but still faced some challenges. Kenya reported more than 106,083 TB cases in 2011 with more than 4000 deaths. Hon. Mugo regretfully informed all that the country was still one of the 22 high TB burden countries in the world. The country is now ranked position 15 to 13 in 2011. The Minister called for innovative ways and increased resources in the fight against TB.

Also in attendance were partner representatives; including the WHO Country Representative Dr Abdoulie Jack, USAID Mission Director for Kenya Ms. Erna Kerst, Senior health and government officials, health practitioners, members of the public and the members of the media fraternity.

Hon. Mugo also noted that more than 11% of all TB cases notified in the country were children and she singled out MDR and childhood TB as the two main challenges the country was currently facing. “MDR TB is perhaps the biggest challenge that we are likely to face in future”. The Minister urged all to pay particular attention to the vulnerable and poor communities, including health care workers and to work together in combating stigma, unfounded fears and prejudice associated with TB. Hon. Mugo thanked partners involved in the fight against TB for their continuous support and urged them to continue supporting the country. Finally, she called upon members of the public to assist in referring all those who have coughs to the nearest health centres.

In his remarks, the WHO Country Representative, Dr Jack commended the country on its progress towards TB control. The WR strongly emphasized the diagnostic challenges posed by childhood TB and the need for early diagnosis and timely initiation of treatment in tackling drug resistant TB. On behalf of the Regional director, Dr. Jack congratulated the Honourable Minster for her strong leadership and progressive achievement in TB control in the country. Finally, Dr. Jack reiterated WHO’s continuous support in achieving better health for the people of Kenya.

Others who spoke at the event were the USAID Country Mission Director Ms. Erna Kerst, who urged all to focus on community based care as a means of reducing associated cost and encouraging prompt diagnosis.

Call for a Tuberculosis Free Kenya s

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