Nakuru, Kenya| The adoption of advanced artificial intelligence (AI)-powered technology has significantly transformed tuberculosis (TB) diagnosis in Nakuru County, improving imaging accuracy and reducing turnaround times for patients.
Nakuru County Executive for Health, Roselyn Mungai, emphasized that the integration of AI-supported tools has enhanced the efficiency of TB detection, marking a major milestone in the county’s healthcare sector.
Mungai stated that radiologists, radiographers, and clinical officers from the chest clinic and the outpatient department at Nakuru County Teaching and Referral Hospital (NCTRH) have undergone training to utilize this cutting-edge technology effectively.
She highlighted its role in streamlining diagnostic processes and expediting treatment initiation.
“The technology is a game-changer at NCTRH, which serves approximately six counties. It has simplified the work of doctors and improved patient outcomes, playing a crucial role in TB treatment,” Mungai said.
Collaboration to Strengthen TB Control Efforts
In a bid to bolster TB prevention, detection, and treatment, Nakuru health officials engaged in discussions with a delegation from Homa Bay County.
The deliberations covered key areas such as community-based TB care, diagnostics, the TB care cascade, and Public-Private Mix (PPM) approaches.
The teams also exchanged insights on quality improvement strategies, monitoring and evaluation systems, and effective commodity management to enhance TB service delivery.
This collaboration is part of broader efforts to combat the persistent TB burden in Kenya through coordinated and innovative healthcare interventions.
Challenges in TB Eradication
Despite advancements in diagnostics and treatment, eradicating TB in Africa remains a significant challenge due to social, economic, healthcare, and biological factors.
The co-infection of TB and HIV/AIDS exacerbates the situation, as HIV weakens the immune system, increasing susceptibility to TB and complicating the management of both diseases.
In Kenya, TB continues to be a leading cause of illness and death, affecting all age groups but disproportionately impacting individuals aged 15 to 44—the most economically productive segment of the population.
The high TB burden in the country is closely linked to the HIV epidemic, with Kenya ranking fourth in Africa after South Africa, Nigeria, and Ethiopia in terms of TB prevalence.
According to the Kenya Demographic Survey 2022, approximately 12,000 new TB infections occur annually, while 32,000 deaths are recorded each year.
However, Kenya has made strides in reducing TB-related fatalities, with reported deaths declining from 31,000 in 2019 to 21,000 in 2022.
The Future of TB Control in Kenya
The integration of AI technology in TB diagnosis, coupled with strategic collaborations and community-based interventions, represents a crucial step toward reducing TB prevalence in Kenya.
Strengthening healthcare systems, expanding access to innovative diagnostic tools, and enhancing public awareness will be pivotal in the country’s ongoing fight against TB.
As Nakuru County continues to leverage technological advancements and inter-county partnerships, the hope remains that Kenya can significantly reduce TB infections and improve patient outcomes in the coming years.
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