West Pokot County Tackles Alarming 11% TB Infection Rate Amid HIV Concerns

KAPENGURIA—West Pokot County’s health authorities are confronting a significant public health challenge, with the tuberculosis (TB) infection rate reaching 11 percent, coupled with a considerable HIV co-infection burden.

According to Kenya News Agency, the County Executive for Health and Sanitation, the region reported 1,617 TB cases in 2023, including a notably high incidence among children, who represent 14 percent of these cases.

In detailing the county’s response to this health crisis, Woyakapel emphasized the critical situation, noting the mortality rate among TB patients stands at five percent. Despite a TB treatment success rate of 80 percent in 2022, malnutrition among up to 60 percent of patients has been a significant barrier to recovery. The county has mobilized efforts to enhance TB detection and treatment, identifying key locations for screening such as GK Prison and various mining and community sites.

Nelly Soprin, the Health and Sanitation Chief Officer, echoed the urgency of the situation, pointing out that reluctance to undergo TB screening remains a substantial obstacle. She advocated for increased public awareness and utilization of free TB screening and treatment services available at facilities like Kapenguria County Referral Hospital. Soprin also underscored the government’s commitment to subsidizing the cost of TB medication, emphasizing the necessity of community engagement in combating the disease.

The engagement of health authorities in West Pokot extends beyond treatment to proactive measures, including extensive contact tracing and preventive therapies, particularly in areas with the highest TB rates. These efforts coincide with the global call to action encapsulated in the World TB Day 2024 theme, “Yes, we can end TB!”, which was highlighted during the commemoration at Talau County Dispensary.