Kenya has made significant progress in reducing tuberculosis (TB) infections, with cases dropping from 168,000 in 2017 to 124,000 annually in 2024, according to the Ministry of Health.
However, health experts are warning that funding challenges could slow further progress.Speaking during an event to mark World TB Day, National Assembly Health Committee Chair Dr. James Nyikal emphasized the need to realign funds to sustain TB programs amid recent funding cuts by the U.S. government.
He urged health sector stakeholders to present their budgets on time to ensure timely allocation of resources.The Ministry of Health acknowledged that TB remains a major public health concern and has set ambitious goals in its strategic plan, aiming to reduce TB-related deaths by 80 percent by 2030.
Additionally, the ministry seeks to ensure that no household suffers economic hardships due to TB treatment costs.Aiban Ronoh, the Monitoring and Evaluation Officer at the Kenya National TB Program, called for bold policies at the county level to increase resource allocation for TB programs.
Health experts identified key risk factors for TB, including poor health habits, excessive alcohol consumption, smoking, and inadequate living conditions.During the event, Kenyans were offered free TB screening as part of efforts to enhance early detection and treatment.
As Kenya continues to make strides in combating TB, stakeholders emphasize the importance of sustained funding and policy support to achieve the country’s ambitious TB reduction targets.
