Lodwar – September 25, 2025 (Public Communications and Media Relations)

The Department of Health and Sanitation conducted a review of its 2025 performance scorecard for the Tuberculosis (TB), HIV testing, prevention, and early access of antiretroviral treatment (ART)for the residents of Turkana.

Supported by Centre for Health Solutions (CHS), this technical working group revealed that the county government is ramping up screening, diagnostic services, and grassroots interventions in a bid to reverse the trend and save lives.

The county government is also enhancing TB control by strengthening surveillance, screening, diagnostic services, and treatment through integrated TB/HIV services. This is particularly targeted to school-going-children, miners, and elderly community members.

The Deputy Director Preventive and Promotive Health Daniel Esimit urged key players to ensure accuracy in distributing the correct Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis (DR-TB) regimen per eligible patient.

“We seek to improve Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis (DR-TB) surveillance for new and previously tested patients,” he said.

He reiterated the importance of strategic partnerships in addressing key gaps by leveraging county structures and harmonising resources.

Laboratory Services Coordinator Alice Nataaba highlighted the need to conduct an in-depth analysis of TB/HIV indicators and scale up HIV screening.

“Utilize the sample referral network both within and outside the county and the laboratory clinical interface. Reporting is also key for optimal utilization of commodities,” she said.

The team shared action plans to clarify the timeliness and follow-ups in enabling improvement in data processing and reporting to increase case notification by 23%.

Acting County TB, Lungs and Leprosy Diseases Coordinator Stephen Ekitela emphasized that more community health promoters are to be sensitized on the basic understanding of TB.

“This will help them support in community referrals and instutionalize TB in community health services as Level 2 facilities have already embraced TBHIV service integration with our current focus on Level 3 and 4 facilities,”

The county and Sub-County health management teams and representatives from Tamatisha TB, Imarisha jamii, and World Relief were present.