Double threat: TB and HIV Co-infections on the rise
A recent report from the Ministry of Health (MOH) has sounded the alarm over a rising tide of TB/HIV co-infections in the country. The national co-infection rate has increased to 25 from 23 per cent in 2022 according to the National Tuberculosis,Leprosy and Lung Disease programme.
Published earlier this week, the findings show that in 2023, counties in western Kenya, including Kisumu, Homabay, Siaya, and Busia had the highest co-infection rates with at least three counties exceeding 50 per cent.
Busia County accounted for 40 per cent co-infection rate. The Ministry has emphasised the need for intensified collaboration between healthcare providers to combat this growing issue. In contrast, counties like Baringo, Mandera, and Wajir reported significantly lower rates of 14 per cent, 3 per cent, and 1 per cent, respectively.
Despite significant progress in HIV treatment, with ART uptake reaching 98.2 per cent in 2023, concerns remain about TB case detection and treatment completion, particularly among high-risk groups.
Overall, the country’s TB incident cases (new and relapse) were at 88,895, a case detection rate of 74 per cent. However, data from the report shows that at least 26 per cent of cases go unreported.
Dr. Immaculate Kathure, head division of tuberculosis and other lung diseases at MOH reported that Kenya detected 97,126 TB cases in 2023, representing a 7.2 per cent increase from the previous year. This translates to a 78 per cent treatment coverage rate, with 8.5 per cent of cases being previously treated.
“While Kenya transitioned from the list of high-burden drug resistant tuberculosis (DRTB) countries, DRTB remains a threat that could undermine the gains so far realised, ”she said. She further explained that the age distribution of TB cases in Kenya indicate that children aged 0–14 years accounted for 12,884 cases (13.3 per cent) of the total notified cases.
“The 25-44 age group had the highest number of TB cases, accounting for 63 per cent of the total cases,” she said.
Dr Kathure explained that intensified efforts to find and treat TB patients led to a 7.2 per cent increase in treatment initiation compared to 2022. These efforts included active case finding, targeted outreach, and the use of AI-powered X-rays. As a result, 78 per cent of the estimated 124,000 people with TB in Kenya received treatment.
While 1,200 cases of drug-resistant TB were identified, 706 of these individuals were diagnosed and started on appropriate second line treatment. The report indicates that 70 per cent of new pulmonary TB cases were tested for rifampicin resistance.
Rifampicin is a powerful antibiotic commonly used in the treatment of tuberculosis. It is essential for treating drug-resistant TB, which is a strain of the bacteria that is resistant to standard TB medications. For previously treated TB patients, the testing rate was slightly higher at 73 per cent.
Additionally, surveillance for drug-resistant TB among all forms of previously treated TB patients increased from 57 per cent in 2022 to 60 per cent in 2023 and targeted high risks groups that include people living with HIV, all household contacts of people with pulmonary TB and other risk groups (health care workers, prisoners and clinical at-risk groups).
Last year, there were 113,355 contacts of bacteriologically confirmed pulmonary TB cases that were reported and were symptomatically screened for TB disease.
“This number is still sub optimal in terms of coverage which points to low screening and reporting rates among contacts, ”the findings highlight.
Dr Kathure further disclosed that in 2023, the percentage of drug-susceptible tuberculosis (DSTB) cases that were bacteriologically confirmed increased to 56,333, translating to 58 per cent, a 1 per cent rise from the cases in 2022.
“Nandi County achieved the highest percentage of bacteriologically confirmed DSTB cases at 83 per cent (895) followed by Marsabit and Mandera with 74 per cent (684) and 75 per cent (667) respectively. Other counties that showed improvement included Meru) , Garissa), Machakos), Uasin Gishu, Elgeyo Marakwet, and Pokot, all exceeding 70 per cent, ”she said.
Public Health and Professional Standards, PS Mary Muthoni said the health ministry had put in place strategies that will nip TB in the bud. “The strategies being implemented include improving access to drug susceptibility testing (DST) through timely availability of laboratory commodities and the use of stool GeneXpert Ultra for diagnosis of TB in children below 10 years. The government is also expanding the use of chest X-rays (CXR) for screening the contacts of DR-TB contacts, and strengthening healthcare workers capacity for early detection and effective management of DR-TB through ongoing training and support,” she told Healthy Nation.
llidigu@ke.nationmedia.com
Shows
See AllAM Live
AM Live is NTV's morning current affairs show that sets the agenda for the day with insightful panels every weekday.
Business Redefined
Business Redefined is Kenya’s premier thought leadership platform for unpacking matters regarding economic and finance policy as well demystifying complex developments in the region’s capital markets.
Comedies
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Entertainment
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Full Episodes
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Gumzo La Sato
Gumzo La Sato is a live social issues show that aims to create awareness about issues affecting the larger society. The discussions range from Parenting, Marital bliss and struggles, Oppression, violence, and all matters of the Heart.
Health Diary
Health Diary is a weekly show that highlights different types of diseases/conditions and seeks ways to prevent, treat/manage them. The show debunks this through real life stories and also feature specialists in different fields, to offer medical advice on the same.
Letter To My Younger Self
Letter To My Younger Self is a podcast where guests get to write a letter to their younger self, from which Maxine formulates questions to ask them during the hour-long show.
Nation Reports
Nation Reports is a weekly podcast offers an opportunity for listeners to interact with various reporters and journey with them as they unravel the biggest most emotive stories.
One Health Lens Podcast
Discussing health matters and human stories from Kenya and across Africa. We talk big picture from people to policy, ecosystems, and everything in between. Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/onehealthlens
Paradise Lost
Paradise Lost peeks through the story of Louis Otieno, the times, and everything in between.
Speaking of GEN Z
Speaking of Gen Z brings you entertaining but meaningful conversations about a generation that is trying to navigate through adulthood. Join hosts Michelle, Jackie and Esther as they unravel all things Gen Z.
Sport On
Sport-On is a 30-minute sports magazine show on NTV and 3 hours on NATION FM. The show seeks to give the sports “fanatics” and “funatics” comprehensive and in-depth coverage of sports both locally and internationally.
Tech-over
The extent of technological growth is beyond mere acknowledgment; it has seamlessly integrated into our daily existence. A few years ago, the notion of paying electricity bills through mobile money or recharging with 'tokens' in Kenya seemed inconceivable. Online product sales were considered distant, and artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping various facets of our lives. Amidst these technological leaps, those with a solid understanding of tech can navigate challenges, seize opportunities, and build a sustainable livelihood. Tech over Show aims to be the platform facilitating discussions among thought leaders, innovators, tech companies, and the government, addressing challenges and opportunities in Kenya's thriving tech industry.
Thamani
Thamani is a business show which is dedicated to emerging issues regarding micro, small and medium size businesses.
The Politalk podcast
This is The Politalk podcast. Here we look into the ins and outs of everything Kenyan politics. We pull no punches and have no reason to sugarcoat anything that matters to Kenyans.
The Trend
A two-hour-long live show that airs on Fridays. The show focuses on what is current in the entertainment industry, controversial and popular across all media platforms targeting those aged between 25 and 35 years.
The trend podcast
The trend podcast highlights and captures the best of banter from #TTTT segment that airs every Friday on NTV. It's the TTTT EXTRA
The Wicked Edition
The Wicked Edition with Dr. King’ori seeks to address serious issues through humour and relatable wit. It is a two-part half hour show filmed in front of a live audience
Trending
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Twende
Twende is a travel show that highlights beautiful, unique, diverse locations, people, and cultures. The show offers fresh perspectives on familiar locations and memorable experiences in new ones.
Unscripted
This Saturday evening lifestyle show lets viewers share their stories and life experiences as openly & honestly for the purpose of shifting the culture of silence.
VIP Access
VIP ACCESS is Anyiko Owoko’s YouTube and podcast show on Music and Culture dedicated to promoting Africa’s most promising talent and creatives. This podcast grants you VIP access into timeless interviews while providing a platform for rising as well as established artists across the continent. Since launching in 2018, Anyiko has interviewed over 70 African music stars.
WADR
This weekly news show aims to have all sides of debate but not be constrained by it, listen to main voices in the contest but not allow them to hold the viewers hostage, entertain debate but allow push back with all due respect.
When death do us part
In this podcast, three widowers openly speak about the process of grief, how they found themselves exposed to the emotional turmoil of losing their wives, and how society still does not know how to deal with them.
Your World
Your World is a health, wellness and variety show. It provides a platform for audiences and experts to share their experiences on how to improve or manage health issues, across Kenya and the Africa region.