The Power of Raising TB Awareness: Promoting Effective Initiatives
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), tuberculosis is a significant public health concern in Kenya, causing widespread suffering and death. In 2020, there were an estimated 132,000 cases of TB in Kenya, and it is among the top 10 causes of death in the country. Kenya is also one of the 30 countries with a high TB burden. As World TB Day approaches on March 24, it's crucial to recognize the impact of this infectious disease and the efforts being made to combat it.
Fortunately, HopeCore has taken significant steps to raise TB awareness and promote effective community care initiatives. For example, HopeCore conducted a community health volunteer (CHV) training program in Tharaka South sub-county last month. In 2021, HopeCore held similar training sessions in Mwimbi, Muthambi, Chuka, and Igambang’ombe sub-counties. Through the three-month campaign, these CHVs were able to educate 23,029 households about TB symptoms, causes, and prevention.
CHVs undergoing TB training
Community health volunteers (CHVs) play an essential role in the fight against tuberculosis (TB). They are crucial in educating community members about the disease, tracking down individuals who have defaulted on treatment, and assessing the contacts of TB patients who have confirmed infection. With the support of CHVs, patients receive timely treatment and care, resulting in positive health outcomes. The work of CHVs in identifying and addressing the root causes of TB transmission in the community contributes significantly to reducing the spread of the disease and improving the overall health and well-being of the community. In short, without the tireless efforts of CHVs, the battle against TB would be significantly more challenging.
Kaari, a CHV from the Iruma community unit, is an example of the tremendous impact that HopeCore's community care initiatives can have. During one of her routine home visits, she encountered a middle-aged man who had stopped taking his prescribed TB medication, leaving him in a fragile state, unable to move or work. His family had given up on him, and he was scared to seek medical help alone.
However, with Kaari's support, the patient received treatment and was advised on a proper diet and adherence to medication. Kaari visited the patient twice daily to ensure he took his prescribed medication. Within two months, the patient's health improved significantly, and he could work on his farm again, which helped to provide for his family. TB can have a severe financial impact on individuals, and this patient experienced a loss of income when he could not work on his farm due to the disease. Not only did Kaari impact the patient's life, but she also referred some of his family members for testing since they were living with an active TB case. Through education and outreach efforts, CHVs can identify and track down TB defaulters and ensure that patients receive the treatment and care they need to recover fully.
Collaboration between NGOs, government agencies, and communities is crucial in the fight against TB. HopeCore's efforts in Tharaka Nithi County demonstrate the positive outcomes of such collaboration. As we commemorate World TB Day, let us continue to promote TB awareness, support efforts to combat this disease, and work towards a future where TB is no longer a public health concern in Kenya or anywhere in the world.
