Health Ministry, WHO review key findings in National TB Drug resistance survey

The Director General of Health held a strategic meeting with WHO TB consultants to discuss the progress of the ongoing Drug Resistance Survey (DRS) in the country. 

The survey, which is crucial in combating tuberculosis, follows the last Drug Resistance Survey conducted in 2015, which found a multidrug-resistant TB (MDR TB) prevalence of 0.7% among new cases and 2.0% among previously treated cases. This finding has spurred the country to conduct a new survey to update the data and inform treatment strategies.

The WHO’s technical assistance is focused on ensuring that the DRS is conducted in line with the established protocol objectives. Additionally, the consultation aims to support the country’s adoption of the shorter TB treatment regimen, BPAL/BPALM, recommended by WHO.

During the meeting, the WHO consultants shared preliminary findings from the facilities visited, commending the Ministry of Health for its robust implementation efforts.

The sites visited included the National Tuberculosis Reference Laboratory (NTRL), Machakos Level 5 Hospital, and Kangemi S/C Hospital for the Regional Green Light Commission (rGLC), as well as Ruiru Level 4 Hospital and Mama Lucy Kibaki Hospital for the DRS.

A total of 29 counties are participating in the study, with 59 sub-counties achieving 100% enrollment. Of the 399 health facilities involved, performance is at an impressive 81% (323 facilities).

The Director General emphasized the importance of this survey in shaping future TB treatment policies and expressed optimism that the findings will significantly contribute to the global fight against TB.