Stakeholders commit to support the Gender and Data Assessment of TB key, vulnerable and underserved populations in Kenya

With the exception of persons living with HIV, data on other TB key, vulnerable and underserved populations in Kenya is limited. On the other hand, whereas data disaggregated by gender is available, studies to ascertain the impact of gender-related barriers to access to TB services are non-existent in Kenya. These were the initial findings discussed with stakeholders at a consultation meeting held on 6 December 2017 in Nairobi. The meeting, convened by KELIN, with support from Stop TB Partnership, introduced the TB Gender and Data Assessments being undertaken for the first time in Kenya.

The Data Assessment aims to identify populations most affected by TB in Kenya, the existing data gaps and its impact to access to services. On the other hand, the Gender Assessment aims to determine the gender related barriers to access to TB services and develop appropriate recommendations.

In the meeting, stakeholders voiced their support and commitment to these assessments. It was noted that the assessments were timely coming in the wake of the National TB Prevalence Survey. The survey reported that 82,000 were diagnosed leaving a 40% gap of undetected and untreated TB (“TB missing cases”). The proper identification and categorization of TB vulnerable populations presents an opportunity to finding the missing cases.

The meeting brought together over 46 participants representing communities affected by TB, representatives of civil society organisations, representatives of National Tuberculosis, Leprosy and Lung Disease Program, representatives of County TB Departments (Busia, Kajiado, Mombasa, Nandi, Homa Bay, and Nairobi), Prisons Service, Transport Department, and development partners, among others.

Moving forward, KELIN commits to undertake the Assessments in a consultative and participatory manner. This will ensure that the Assessments produce tangible results and recommendations to inform the strengthening of TB programming at the national level.

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

Twitter: @KELINkenya

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

 

For more information contact:
Lucy Ghati

Programme Manager, HIV & TB

Mombasa Road, Somak building 4th Floor

P O Box 112 – 00200 KNH Nairobi,

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

E-mail: lghati@kelinkenya.org

Website: www.kelinkenya.org