The Kenyan government has intensified efforts to eliminate tuberculosis (TB) and leprosy by 2030. This was after the Ministry of Health launched a comprehensive plan aligned with global targets to end TB. This plan also aims to improve public health across the country.
The government plans to end TB were outlined during a media café at Safari Park Hotel in Nairobi to commemorate World TB Day on March 24th, 2025.
The forum brought together media professionals to discuss the status of TB in Kenya. It featured expert presentations, panel discussions, and interactive sessions aimed at enhancing media reporting and strengthening the fight against TB in Kenya.
A vision for a TB-free Kenya
Kenya’s strategy aligns with Vision 2030, which aims to create a prosperous nation free of TB deaths and suffering. The government’s mission focuses on ensuring equitable access to cost-effective TB, leprosy, and lung health services.
Key strategies for TB control
- Expanding TB preventive treatment coverage is a priority. The goal is to increase coverage from 32% in 2021 to 80% by 2028. This will help prevent new infections and reduce the overall burden of TB.
2. Improving treatment access is another critical focus. The government aims to raise treatment coverage from 63% to 80% and case detection from 69% to 80% by 2028. Early diagnosis and timely treatment will improve patient outcomes.
3. Enhancing treatment success rates is essential in the fight against TB. The target is to increase DS-TB and DR-TB treatment success rates from 86% and 81% to 95% and 85%, respectively, by 2028. This will help curb drug resistance and improve recovery rates.
4. Strengthening integrated TB/HIV services will ensure better management of co-morbidities. The strategy focuses on improving TB/HIV integration at national and county levels to provide comprehensive care.
5. Reducing multibacillary leprosy cases is another goal. The aim is to decrease new cases from 95% to below 25% by 2028 through early detection and effective treatment.
Focus areas for TB elimination
Optimizing TB interventions will improve service delivery; expanding treatment centers, enhancing quality, and implementing better record-keeping systems will streamline healthcare access.
Adopting new technology, such as AI-powered chest X-rays and molecular diagnostic tools, will improve TB detection and treatment.
Leveraging Universal Health Coverage (UHC) will ensure TB services reach more people. Community health worker programs and expanded screening initiatives will strengthen healthcare accessibility.
Strengthening community engagement and multisectoral collaboration will address social determinants of TB. Working with education and housing sectors will improve TB prevention and patient support.
Commitment to ending TB
The Ministry of Health is committed to eliminating TB through innovative policies, research, and public engagement. By leveraging technology and expanding healthcare access, Kenya is on track to achieving a TB-free future by 2030.
