Mandera County joined the rest of the world in commemorating World Tuberculosis (TB) Day, urging residents to seek regular screening and early treatment to help curb the spread of the disease.
Health officials and stakeholders gathered to raise awareness about TB prevention, diagnosis, and treatment, emphasising that early detection is key to effective management and improved health outcomes.
To support this initiative, the county health team set up medical units offering free TB screening across Mandera, ensuring that residents can access testing and treatment without financial barriers.
In Mandera County, TB is not just a medical issue but also a social challenge linked to poverty, malnutrition, overcrowding, and limited healthcare access.
Officials highlighted the need for a multi-sectoral approach to address the root causes of TB and improve community health.
Despite these challenges, Mandera County has made significant strides in TB control, diagnosing and treating 567 individuals over the past year with an impressive 95% treatment success rate.
Additionally, 39 patients were placed on second-line treatment for drug-resistant TB, benefiting from shorter, patient-friendly regimens that enhance adherence and improve recovery.
Speaking at the event, Muktar Isaack Kassim, Chief Officer for Public Health, Mandera County, urged residents to take advantage of the free TB screening services available across the county.
“We are calling on all residents to go for regular TB screening, especially those with persistent coughs, to ensure early diagnosis and treatment,” said Kassim.
Mandera County has also made substantial advancements in tackling drug-resistant TB (DR-TB).
The introduction of shorter, patient-friendly regimens for multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB) and rifampicin-resistant TB (RR-TB) has significantly improved patient adherence and treatment outcomes.
County officials highlighted their progress in the fight against TB, including expanded access to healthcare facilities, increased public awareness campaigns, and free screening services as key achievements.
Health workers and local leaders urged the community to combat stigma and support individuals undergoing treatment to ensure better health outcomes.
“TB is curable, and no one should suffer in silence. Let’s break the stigma and seek medical care early,” appealed Mohamud Ali, the county executive for Social Services.
With TB still posing a significant public health challenge, authorities reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening health systems and enhancing community-based initiatives to reduce infections and improve treatment success rates.
By Adan Mohamed
