NTLDKenya

NTLDKenya The National Tuberculosis, Leprosy and Lung Disease (NTLD) Program aims to reduce the burden of lung

Murang’a County Lung Health Cross-Learning and Data Review MeetingToday, the National TB Program in collaboration with C...
01/08/2025

Murang’a County Lung Health Cross-Learning and Data Review Meeting

Today, the National TB Program in collaboration with CHAI Kenya,supported by GSK & Gates Foundation organized a cross-learning and data review session targeting lung health service optimization in Murang’a County. Healthcare workers present from each sub-county included Gatanga, Ithanga, Kandara, Kigumo, Maragua, Kiharu, Kahuro, Mathioya, and Kangema.

The primary objectives included a rigorous analysis of facility-level data, peer-to-peer exchange of best practices and operational challenges and the co-development of actionable workplans aimed at increasing service uptake and improving data integrity.

During the meeting, Dr. Ibrae Umro, Lung Health Focal Lead at the DNTLD-Program, acknowledged significant progress in Murang’a, especially given the region’s elevated asthma prevalence. He emphasized the necessity for systematic patient screening and assessment, urging clinicians to enforce meticulous reporting standards and intensify case-finding protocols to enhance both patient outcomes and service utilization.

Victoria Wanjohi, Senior Program Manager at CHAI Kenya, highlighted recent improvements in data reporting and encouraged all teams to maintain this trajectory, stressing the importance of ongoing performance optimization.

Through this coordinated and data-driven approach, the National TB Program anticipates measurable improvements in lung health service uptake, robust data for evidence-based decision-making, and greater alignment of interventions throughout Murang’a County.
Dr. Ibrae reiterated the NTP’s mandate to access to lung health services, comprehensive patient screening and proactive case identification. He urged health professionals in Murang’a to prioritize data integrity and vigilance in case finding to drive better outcomes.

Victoria also recognized Murang’a’s advancements in lung health data management and urged continued improvement to support evidence-based decision-making and service delivery.

The National TB Program expects these collaborative efforts to optimize lung health service uptake, refine data utilization at the facility level, and strengthen coordinated implementation across Murang’a County.



Kenya’s Community-Led TB and Lung Health Success Shines in Global SpotlightKenya’s integrated, community driven approach...
01/08/2025

Kenya’s Community-Led TB and Lung Health Success Shines in Global Spotlight

Kenya’s integrated, community driven approach to tuberculosis (TB) and lung health was praised this week during a high-profile media visit by global health partners, including the Gates Foundation The Global Fund and China’s Tsinghua University.

The two-day mission, hosted by the National Tuberculosis Program (NTP), showcased how Kenya is tackling TB while expanding lung health services in primary healthcare facilities across Nairobi, Machakos, and Naivasha. Key stops included Kibra Community Health Center, Mathare North Hospital, and Kenya Medical Research Institute.

At the heart of Kenya’s progress are Community Health Promoters (CHPs), who not only screen and refer TB cases but also support broader respiratory care, education, and psychosocial services. Their work, especially in hard to reach areas, is transforming lives.

Dr. Immaculate Kathure, Ag. Head - NTP, emphasized the power of local storytelling: “If we don’t tell our own stories, we risk becoming invisible. Our impact must be seen and heard.”

Despite funding constraints, Kenya reported a 41% decline in TB incidence and a 66% drop in TB-related deaths in 2024. Innovative use of TB-focused investments now supports diagnosis and treatment of asthma, COPD, and post TB lung disease. At Kibra Health Center alone, new equipment supported by the Gates Foundation has improved detection and treatment outcomes significantly.

Former patients, like Eunice Auma, a TB survivor and young mother displaced by floods, shared moving testimonies of resilience and support through Global Fund stipends and community based care. The stipend for drug resistant TB patients was recently increased to Ksh. 9,000 monthly, aiding treatment adherence.

Partners praised Kenya’s model. “These grassroots interventions are powerful. With more funding, the impact can be even greater,” said Amref’s John Mungai.

As Kenya pushes toward its goal of ending TB by 2030, stakeholders underscored the need for sustained investment in integrated, people centered care.

31/07/2025
Following the recent launch of new diagnostic equipment aimed at improving the detection and management of TB, asthma, C...
18/07/2025

Following the recent launch of new diagnostic equipment aimed at improving the detection and management of TB, asthma, COPD and other lung conditions,the National TB Program supported by CHAI Kenya, began deploying these tools to health facilities across Nairobi County.

This week, 22 facilities received peak flow meters, while three (3) key centers : Dandora II Health Facility, Kibera Community Health Centre and Bahati MDR Clinic were equipped with spirometry devices. The rollout also included hands-on training and mentorship for healthcare workers on device use, data recording and reporting through the Kobo tool.

NTP is calling on all supported facilities to sustain and maximize use of the newly deployed equipment to strengthen lung health services. To support this, the Program has pledged ongoing capacity building, mentorship and supportive supervision to ensure effective utilization. Facility teams are encouraged to integrate lung health into routine care, maintain the equipment and consistently report data. These efforts are critical to improving early diagnosis, enhancing treatment outcomes and reducing the burden of chronic respiratory diseases across Nairobi County.



National TB Program Champions Local Research: Experts Convene in Naivasha to Finalize Groundbreaking ManuscriptsThe Divi...
17/07/2025

National TB Program Champions Local Research: Experts Convene in Naivasha to Finalize Groundbreaking Manuscripts

The Division of Tuberculosis and Other Lung Diseases, in collaboration with the National TB Research Task Force, has convened a national manuscript writing workshop aimed at finalizing and submitting key scientific studies on TB and lung health. The five-day workshop is being held at Eseriani Hotel, Naivasha, with support from the LIGHT Consortium under and the Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI).

The forum brings together researchers, program implementers, policymakers, and academic experts to work on various manuscripts covering priority areas, including TB stigma, knowledge-attitude-practice (KAP) studies, healthcare worker burden, Community Rights and Gender (CRG) assessments, and evidence from the KIC-TB and LIGHT Consortium projects.

“We are not just generating data; we are generating solutions. Publishing our findings ensures Kenya's experiences contribute meaningfully to the global TB knowledge base,” said Dr. Macharia Stephen, delivering remarks on behalf of Dr. Immaculate Kathure, the Acting Head of the National TB Program, during the opening session on Monday.

With at least 16 manuscripts currently under development, the workshop aims to submit these manuscripts to peer-reviewed journals by the end of the week. Participants have also established dedicated writing teams to support continued progress beyond the workshop.

Emphasizing the critical importance of documentation and dissemination, Prof. Jeremiah Chakaya, a renowned lung health specialist and co-investigator in the LIGHT Project, remarked, “Publishing research in reputable journals is not just an academic pursuit, it's a demonstration of accountability, a tool for policy influence, and a platform to showcase Kenya’s leadership in ending TB.”

The week-long agenda features group manuscript presentations, sessions on qualitative research methodologies, reviewer comment integration, and hands-on mentorship and editing support. The workshop is being facilitated by experts from the National TB Program, CHAI, and international contributors, including Dr. Beate Ringwald, a lecturer in Clinical Sciences at the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine - LSTM who led a virtual session on qualitative research.

Rhoda Pola, a research coordinator under the Light Consortium at the meeting, highlighted the value of the workshop in building a sustainable research ecosystem, “This workshop is not only about producing manuscripts, it’s about strengthening local capacity. We’re empowering researchers to confidently document and share the incredible work happening in Kenya’s TB response.”

The initiative aligns closely with the National TB Program’s commitment to evidence-based programming, operational research, and knowledge translation under the broader End TB Strategy and Universal Health Coverage (UHC) goals.

The team is looking forward to Dr. Brenda Mungai’s presentation on Friday on the Publication process, which includes identifying the right journal, responding to reviewers’ comments and what to expect after submission of manuscripts.

Other stakeholders present include Centre for Health Solutions - Kenya (CHS), Amref Health Africa in Kenya, , , and County Governments.

Nairobi Unveils New Diagnostic Equipment to Tackle TB and Lung DiseasesIn a bold move to improve respiratory health, Nai...
09/07/2025

Nairobi Unveils New Diagnostic Equipment to Tackle TB and Lung Diseases

In a bold move to improve respiratory health, Nairobi City County has launched new diagnostic equipment to enhance detection and treatment of TB, asthma, COPD, and other lung conditions.

Unveiled during a high-level event at City Hall, the equipment rollout marks a milestone in Nairobi’s commitment to strengthening primary care and expanding access to lung health services. The launch brought together national and county health leaders, donors, and implementing partners in a show of unified action.

Tom Nyakaba, Chief Officer for Public Health, emphasized Nairobi’s burden in the national TB response:

“Nairobi accounts for nearly 15% of TB cases in Kenya. With limited resources, we’re grateful to CHAI, Centre for Health Solutions - Kenya (CHS), CIHEB, and Respiratory Society of Kenya for stepping in. This is about saving lives through early diagnosis and timely care.”

The equipment package includes 6 spirometers, 22 peak flow meters and 4 digital X-ray machines, will be distributed across Level 4 and 5 facilities, particularly in underserved areas.

Dr. Carol Ngunu, Director of Preventive and Promotive Health, noted the county’s readiness:

“All facilities have been trained and are prepared. We’re not just receiving equipment—we’re ready to put it to work.”

Wesley Tomno, Head of Care at the National TB Program (NTP), reaffirmed the National Government’s broader lung health agenda:

“Many patients are misdiagnosed with TB when they have asthma, COPD, or cancer. The NTP is committed to helping counties strengthen diagnostic systems and fully integrate lung health into routine care. This is a national priority.”

Echoing this, Elizabeth Mueni, Nairobi County TB Coordinator, said:
“We’ve missed many cases for years due to lack of proper tools. With this equipment, we’re better positioned to find and treat what we couldn’t before.”

The launch is part of the Integrated Program for Asthma, COPD, and TB (iPACT), implemented by CHAI Kenya, Kenya, and Society of Kenya, with support from GSK & Gates Foundation

Sharon Olwande, representing CHAI Kenya, added:
“This is a major step forward, but not the end. CHAI is committed to making lung health a lasting, integrated part of everyday care.”

As the rollout begins, the initiative stands as a model of how national and county collaboration, backed by strong partnerships, can close gaps in respiratory care and bring quality services closer to communities.
With the National TB Program anchoring lung health as a critical public health priority, Kenya is moving toward a future where no breath is taken for granted.



Conclusion of Month-Long Lung Health Outreach at Industrial Area Remand PrisonThe National TB Program has concluded a mo...
05/07/2025

Conclusion of Month-Long Lung Health Outreach at Industrial Area Remand Prison

The National TB Program has concluded a month-long lung health outreach at the Industrial Area Remand Prison, with the final week focusing on the Medium Security Facility. This phase saw an impressive 900+ inmates screened for TB and evaluated for other lung conditions such as asthma and COPD.

The closing day,Saturday, was marked by an encouraging turnout from prison staff and their family members, who took part in the health screening. Their participation reflected a growing awareness of the importance of lung health not just within correctional facilities, but also among the broader prison community.

With support from GSK & Gates Foundation and implemented in collaboration with CHAI Kenya, focusing on early detection and respiratory support, the outreach has improved access to care for a high-risk group often left behind.

The National TB Program reaffirms its commitment to sustaining and expanding such initiatives in correctional settings across the country. These facilities continue to benefit from regular health interventions that improve disease surveillance, support timely treatment and promote a healthier environment for both inmates and staff.



The Third Week of Lung Health Outreach at Industrial Area Remand PrisonThis week witnessed the screening of 531 inmates,...
27/06/2025

The Third Week of Lung Health Outreach at Industrial Area Remand Prison

This week witnessed the screening of 531 inmates, with 129 presenting symptoms suggestive of lung disease. 122 individuals underwent further clinical evaluation, resulting in 7 confirmed TB cases, 1 asthma diagnosis and 1 case of COPD. 15 people also received spirometry testing.

With support from GSK & Gates Foundation and implemented by the National TB Program in collaboration with CHAI Kenya, the initiative continues to deliver essential respiratory care and early detection services to one of Kenya’s most underserved and high-risk populations.



For the second week running,NTP with support from CHAI Kenya through the GSK & Gates Foundation continued its lung healt...
20/06/2025

For the second week running,NTP with support from CHAI Kenya through the GSK & Gates Foundation continued its lung health outreach at Nairobi’s Industrial Area Remand Prison. The initiative focuses on improving early detection and management of TB, asthma, COPD, and other chronic lung conditions within correctional settings.

This week, 913 inmates were screened for pulmonary conditions, with 26 individuals undergoing spirometry testing. The outreach confirmed 13 TB cases, along with 2 cases of asthma, 1 case of COPD, and 1 case of post-TB lung disease (PTLD).

With high population density and limited ventilation, correctional facilities remain high-risk environments for the spread of respiratory illnesses. This ongoing effort is helping equip prison clinics with diagnostic tools, embed routine lung health screening into everyday care, and ensure a steady supply of essential medications like inhalers.

This sustained commitment is not just improving health outcomes but also redefining access to quality care for populations too often left behind. Access to lung heath care to all.



Enhancing Pulmonary Healthcare Access in Correctional facilities.This week, the National Tuberculosis Program, in collab...
13/06/2025

Enhancing Pulmonary Healthcare Access in Correctional facilities.

This week, the National Tuberculosis Program, in collaboration with CHAI Kenya and supported by GSK & Gates Foundation, kickstarted a comprehensive lung health outreach at Nairobi’s Industrial Area Remand Prison. The initiative aims to strengthen early detection and management of TB, asthma, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) among incarcerated individuals.

Screening outcomes from this week’s activities included: over 900 inmates screened for pulmonary conditions,33 individuals subjected to spirometry testing to assess lung function and 228 identified as presumptive TB cases, resulting in 190 sputum samples collected. Diagnostic results also confirmed 8 TB cases, 1 case of asthma, 1 case of COPD and 1 case of post-TB lung disease (PTLD).

Given the congested living conditions inherent in correctional facilities, such environments present a critical opportunity for timely diagnosis and intervention. This initiative endeavors to equip prison clinics with testing tools, regularly screening inmates for lung issues, making these checks routine and ensuring a steady supply of medicines like inhalers for asthma and COPD

A site visit by CHAI’s Global TB Team on Tuesday, revealed the necessity of uninterrupted access to diagnostic services and treatment within correctional facilities, alongside the adoption of digital tools to enhance patient follow-up and data management.

Concurrently, at Mathare North Health Centre, a pivotal diagnostic centre serving the surrounding community, complementary recommendations were proposed. These included the establishment of permanent diagnostic facilities, strengthen human resource capacity and optimizing digital health systems to improve service coordination.

These concerted efforts establish a new benchmark for pulmonary healthcare delivery in high-risk settings ensuring that even the most underserved populations receive timely and effective lung health care.



Strengthening Frontline Capacity: Healthcare Workers Trained on the Integrated Lung Health Service Delivery ApproachThe ...
13/06/2025

Strengthening Frontline Capacity: Healthcare Workers Trained on the Integrated Lung Health Service Delivery Approach

The Division of National, Tuberculosis, Leprosy and Other Lung Diseases Program (DNTLD-P) has rolled out a comprehensive lung health training program for healthcare workers drawn from Kilifi, Migori, Bungoma, and Turkana counties. The five-day training, held at Gem Hotel in Naivasha, is part of a broader national strategy to scale up the screening, diagnosis, case management, and prevention of tuberculosis (TB) and other chronic lung diseases, including Post-TB Lung Disease (PTLD).

With the rising burden of non-communicable respiratory conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, and PTLD in Kenya, the program is leading the charge in bridging the knowledge gap among healthcare providers. The training, anchored on the newly developed Integrated Lung Health Curriculum, equips frontline workers with practical skills in lung function assessment, including spirometry, which is a critical tool for measuring lung function.

“The success of our integrated lung health model depends on the capacity of our healthcare workforce,” said Dr. Ibrae Umro, Lung Health Focal Lead at the DNTLD-Program. “By building their knowledge and skills, especially in under-resourced counties, we are laying a foundation for stronger health systems and improved patient outcomes.”

During the sessions, healthcare workers engaged in hands-on demonstrations and case-based learning to enhance their clinical decision-making in diagnosing and managing lung conditions. Of particular focus was the detection and care of PTLD, an often overlooked consequence of TB that continues to impair the health and quality of life of many patients with a history of treatment for pulmonary TB.

03/06/2025

For years, the government has waged a public campaign against tuberculosis, urging early detection and treatment as key to beating the disease. But despite t...

Address

20179
Mbagathi
00202

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when NTLDKenya posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Practice

Send a message to NTLDKenya:

Share