Laare: Residents of Igembe have been urged to change their social and health-seeking behavior to help curb the spread of tuberculosis (TB), as Meru County intensified awareness and screening activities to mark World TB Day at Laare Health Centre. The event, held in Laare, Igembe North Constituency, brought together senior health officials and medics from all the 10 sub-counties in Meru County, underscoring the county’s renewed commitment to tackling the disease through awareness, early diagnosis, and community engagement.
According to Kenya News Agency, Meru County Chief Officer for Health, Koome Muthuri, emphasized that the fight against TB cannot be left to the government alone, highlighting the crucial role every member of the community plays in ending the disease. Muthuri pointed out that World TB Day is dedicated to raising public awareness and encouraging early diagnosis and treatment. Despite TB being preventable and curable, the disease continues to claim lives, with more than 3,000 people dying globally every day and 29 people infected every hour. Since 2000, over 83 million TB patients have been treated and healed.
Muthuri stressed that the county government will continue to prioritize primary healthcare, public sensitization, and early screening with support from partners and sponsors to reduce TB’s impact on affected body organs. The event also featured free TB screening and scans for expectant mothers, with health officials underscoring the importance of such outreach services for early diagnosis and access to care.
County TB Director, Eunice Kanana, noted that Meru remains among the top five counties in Kenya with a high TB burden. This trend should prompt residents to take collective action. She reported that the county records approximately 200 TB-related deaths annually, representing about 4 to 5 percent of reported cases. The county has invested in modern diagnostic equipment, including AI-enabled X-ray machines, to improve case detection and treatment outcomes. Kanana urged Community Health Volunteers (CHVs) to intensify grassroots awareness campaigns to ensure more people undergo screening before the disease advances.
Director of Public Health, Dr. John Inanga, explained that TB spread in Igembe is largely fueled by social interactions and risky habits. He emphasized community responsibility in reducing transmission by addressing overcrowded houses, poorly ventilated rooms, poor nutrition, and unsafe social habits. Dr. Inanga highlighted that behaviors such as poor spitting habits, sharing cigarettes, and living in congested spaces expose more people to infection. He advocated for economically viable preventive measures, including quick referral of suspected cases, improved hygiene, proper ventilation, and ending stigma against patients.
Meru County Director of Health Administration, Mutura Titus, stated that World TB Day serves as a reminder of the county’s commitment to fighting the disease and supporting those on treatment. He urged residents to seek medical attention early and reject misinformation and stigma that often deter diagnosis.
To enhance sample transportation and improve testing turnaround time, the county flagged off 10 motorbikes for specimen collection from different sub-counties. Ntunene MCA Patrick Mwirigi praised the medical team’s efforts and pledged to advocate for an ambulance for Igembe North to improve emergency response and healthcare access.
The Director of Health Administration acknowledged Meru’s high TB prevalence but commended medics for their dedication in patient tracing and treatment. He called for continued support from the County Assembly for TB programs through adequate funding, especially for community sensitization and outreach campaigns. Health officials emphasized that early diagnosis is vital in reducing TB complications and saving lives.
