NTLDKenya

15/10/2025

Kenya has made major strides against TB — a 41% drop in incidence and 65% decline in deaths since 2015. CS launched 80 AI-powered digital X-ray systems & Integrated Lung Health Guidelines, calling for wider TB & lung disease diagnostic access.

The Ministry of Health has recorded progress in the fight against tuberculosis, registering a 41% reduction in TB incidence rate and a 65% drop in TB mortali...

13/10/2025

13/10/2025

Kenya Makes History with Launch of 80 AI-Enabled Digital X-ray Machines and Integrated Lung Health Guidelines

Kenya has made history in its fight against tuberculosis (TB) and lung diseases with the launch of 80 AI-powered digital chest X-ray machines and the unveiling of the Integrated Lung Health Guidelines at the Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA) grounds in Nairobi.

The event, officiated by Health Cabinet Secretary Hon. Aden Duale, brought together the Council of Governors, World Health Organization Kenya, The Global Fund, Amref Health Africa in Kenya, Centre for Health Solutions - Kenya (CHS), Gates Foundation GSK, and Centre for Health Solutions - Kenya (CHS), among other partners, marking a major step toward achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and a TB-free Kenya.

The AI-enabled X-ray machines will be deployed across all 47 counties, ensuring that communities, including those in remote and underserved areas, can access advanced lung disease screening. The technology enables early detection of TB, asthma, COPD, and other respiratory illnesses.

“Innovation without access is injustice. Technology must touch the grassroots or it’s just decoration,” said CS Duale.

“Every lung matters, every life counts, and no one will be left behind in our pursuit of a healthier Kenya.”

The Integrated Lung Health Guidelines consolidate TB, asthma, COPD, silicosis, and post-TB complications into one comprehensive framework, moving Kenya toward a holistic, patient-centered approach to lung health care.

The WHO representative, Dr Onyenze Adiele, hailed Kenya’s leadership, noting that the initiative aligns with the WHO End TB Strategy and reflects “a decisive investment in precision public health.”

Dr. George Githuka of Amref Health Africa commended the Ministry for its strong coordination, saying, “This milestone proves that when government and partners work together, innovation becomes inclusion.”

CHS-Kenya CEO Dr Paul Wekesa described the AI machines as “hope on wheels”, recalling that CHS first piloted the innovation in 2021, screening over 50,000 Kenyans and diagnosing 2,000 TB and lung disease cases.

As the 80 machines were flagged off to counties, CS Duale reaffirmed the government's commitment to equitable, technology-driven healthcare.

“May these machines serve, may they save lives, and may they bring smiles to our people,” he said. “This is Kenya moving from policy to action, from innovation to impact.”

13/10/2025

Today, Kenya takes a bold step towards ending TB by flagging off 80 AI-powered digital chest X-ray machines, ensuring all 47 counties have access to advanced screening tools. This milestone marks a new era where no one is left behind in the fight against TB.

Together, let’s harness technology for every county and make TB history! 💪🏾

13/10/2025

Kenya Innovates to with 80 AI-powered X-ray units to speed up TB detection and save lives. Join us on Oct 13, 2025, at KEMSA Grounds as we flag off Kenya's Ultra-Portable Digital X-Ray Machines with Al to 47 counties.
The Ministry of Health Clinton Health Access Initiative Centre for Health Solutions - Kenya (CHS) Amref Health Africa in Kenya Respiratory Society of Kenya Stop TB Partnership World Health Organization Kenya GSK Gates Foundation The Global Fund

08/10/2025

30/09/2025

Day 2 of the symposium featured critical insights on strengthening respiratory care, with a focus on practical implementation and pivotal new national data.

Philip Muchiri from Clinton Health Access Initiative presenting on behalf of Dr.Ibrae Umuro, NTP, underscored the importance of lung health implementation research, highlighting that integrating chronic disease diagnosis into existing primary care platforms is essential for scalable and efficient patient management.

A keynote presentation by Dr. Immaculate Kathure, Ag.Head, NTP, discussed Kenya's latest Drug-Resistant TB (DRTB) Survey.

"The importance of this Drug Resistance Surveillance (DRS) cannot be overstated.It moves the National TB program from operating on assumptions to being guided by precise, evidence-based data."


The survey provides the first robust baseline of Kenya's DRTB burden, which is fundamental for everything from accurate policy-making and strategic planning to rational international resource allocation.

It also reveals a lower-than-expected burden, with a 0.37% prevalence in new patients and 3.35% in retreatment patients. However, Dr. Kathure stressed that this positive news is a call for strategic vigilance, not complacency.

"Continuous monitoring remains essential to safeguard these gains against the persistent threat of new resistance patterns." she said.

29/09/2025

The TB and Lung Health Symposium 2025, convened by Respiratory Society of Kenya(ReSoK) in collaboration with the National Tuberculosis, Leprosy and Lung Disease Program (NTLD-P) & Centre for Health Solutions - Kenya (CHS), is currently underway at the Nairobi Hospital Convention Centre under the theme “Innovation and Integration in Advancing TB and Lung Health.”

Key partners in attendance include the The Ministry of Health, KEMRI, Amref Health Africa in Kenya, Stop TB Partnership Kenya, , Clinton Health Access Initiative CHAI), AstraZeneca, Qure.AI, Glenmark, and other national and international collaborators.

Day One features panel sessions and stakeholder presentations, with discussions centering on the TB burden and its social determinants, sustainable health financing, prevention strategies including vaccines and nutrition and innovations in diagnostics and treatment such as AI-powered X-rays and shorter regimens.

This forum underscores the importance of collective action in bringing together government, researchers, practitioners, industry and advocates to align evidence with practice, strengthen partnerships and drive innovation. It is setting the stage for a stronger, more integrated response to TB and lung health that prioritizes equity and charts a clear path for the future.

Follow the discussions live through: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T7kO6j8FYeM


&LungHealthSymposium2025