NTLDKenya

11/12/2025

Kenya Takes Bold Step in TB Prevention With New Shorter Treatment Regimens

The Ministry of Health, through the Division of Tuberculosis, Leprosy and Other Lung Diseases (DTLD), has launched a series of sensitization trainings to prepare healthcare workers for the rollout of two new tuberculosis preventive treatment (TPT) regimens recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO).

The sessions are part of Kenya’s renewed drive to stop TB transmission by expanding access to shorter, safer and more effective preventive therapies. The new regimens: a six-month daily levofloxacin treatment for contacts of multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB) and a three-month weekly isoniazid and rifapentine combination (3HP) for children aged 0–14 years, will be introduced in January and April 2026, respectively.

According to Dr Grace Kaluai, TPT technical lead at the Program, the shift represents a major milestone in TB prevention:

“These new preventive regimens make TB care simpler, faster, and more patient-friendly. By reducing pill burden and treatment duration, we’re making it easier for families to protect their loved ones and for health workers to deliver quality care.”

Tuberculosis infection (TBI), often referred to as latent TB, occurs when a person carries the TB bacteria without showing symptoms or spreading it to others. Yet, without treatment, latent TB can progress into active disease, a process that preventive therapy reduces by up to 90%.

Kenya’s latest TB prevention data underscores the urgency for change. In 2024, only 37% of eligible household contacts under 15 years received preventive therapy, and overall TPT coverage among contacts was around 40%. Among people living with HIV newly enrolled on treatment, 69% received TPT, with children lagging at 50% coverage.

Globally, 5.3 million people were initiated on TPT in 2024, a rise from previous years, but Kenya still faces gaps in reaching all at-risk groups. The new regimens aim to close that gap by improving convenience, tolerability and supply chain stability.

The ongoing trainings in Nakuru and Machakos bring together national and county TB coordinators, pharmacists, regional HIV leads and health officers under the support of the Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI).

03/12/2025

This week we have an exciting and informative webinar titled 𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝘁𝗼 𝗪𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗲 𝗮 𝗚𝗼𝗼𝗱 𝗔𝗯𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁
Join us this Thursday from 6:00pm.
Register now on this link: https://forms.gle/A6iVa7neS6ibGbgt5

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