Human Rights still a problem in TB management in Kenya

On 18 May 2017 KELIN, with financial and technical support from the Stop TB Partnership Secretariat, conducted a one day inter-county dialogue on TB and human rights in Kisumu County. The dialogue brought together over 40 participants representing civil society organizations working on TB, TB survivors, County TB coordinators, health care workers, prison officials, community health volunteers, public health officials, researchers among others, from the counties of Kisumu, Busia, Homa Bay, and Kakamega.

 

Stakeholders at the dialogue forum noted that respect for human rights of TB patients is still a problem at the community level. For example, TB survivors decried the high levels of stigma and discrimination that still exist, which is exacerbated by some practices adopted to manage TB. These practices include involuntary isolation and close surveillance. The survivors called for patient-centred practices which respect their human rights. KELIN has previously conducted a study that also established that attitudes of health care workers towards patients, and the distance to health care facilities, determine whether patients will go back to hospital to receive their TB medication after their diagnosis.

 

On the other hand, county health care workers and TB coordinators expressed support for policies and guidelines that strengthen community structures in TB management. They also called for an isolation policy to set standards for isolation units and clarify procedures for involuntary isolation.

 

On their part, prison officers reported that prisons have now adopted regular TB screenings but called for a review of prison infrastructure guidelines to address ventilation.

 

The dialogue, conducted in a talk-show style, was convened as part of the first legal environment analysis process for TB in Kenya. It sought to solicit information on key human rights issues in TB prevention, treatment, care and support at the community level in Kenya.  KELIN is piloting the legal environment assessment for TB in Kenya. The process entails an assessment of Kenya’s national legal and policy framework and aims to identify and examine all important legal and human rights issues affecting all people.

 

To contribute to the discussion and for live updates follow KELIN on our social media platforms using the hashtag #TBRights

Twitter: @KELINkenya

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/kelinkenya

For more information contact:
Lucy Ghati

Programme Manager, HIV & TB

Mombasa Road, Somak building 4^th Floor

P O Box 112 – 00200 KNH Nrb,

Tel: 020, 2515790 │Mobile: 0790 487473, 0722 747382

E-mail: lghati@kelinkenya.org

Website: www.kelinkenya.org

 

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