The StopTB Global Plan to end Tuberculosis (TB) calls for a human rights and gender-based approach in tackling the infectious disease. Grounded in international, regional, and national laws that establish the rights to health, non-discrimination, privacy, liberty, and security of person among others; the plan calls for the implementation of a human rights-based approach to TB by establishing and protecting the rights of affected individuals. The Plan centers the diverse, focused, and sustained advocacy efforts by key stakeholders, including vulnerable and marginalized people affected with TB, TB survivors and other allies.
It is based on the foregoing that KELIN, with support from Stop TB Partnership, conducted a national training for 39 TB champions from 39 counties in Kenya on Community-Led-Monitoring (CLM) for Social Accountability in TB. The training was held on 5th-6th February 2024 in Machakos County to scale up involvement of TB affected communities in community-led monitoring efforts across the nation. It is aimed at increasing accountability in TB and health related human rights in all the 47 Counties of Kenya while utilizing the One Impact Platform.[1]
The training covered a spectrum of vital topics, including the status of TB case findings, the intricacies of Community-Led-Monitoring[2] and Kenya’s human rights framework. Participants engaged with representatives from the National TB Program, Stop TB Partnership Kenya, AMREF Kenya, the Network of TB Champions and other key stakeholders, fostering collaboration and shared understanding.
The 39 trained TB Champions will be engaged by KELIN to undertake community-led-monitoring in their respective Counties utilizing the One Impact Platform. Through their increased participation, the champions will step up to end TB through Community Led Efforts.
“Community members are not aware that there exist different platforms they can use to advocate for and openly discuss issues around TB response and human rights. There’s therefore a great need to strengthen the existing community systems and platforms like Bunge La Wananchi which we can leverage on, for awareness creation”-TB Champion.
For more information, please contact:
Pesa Okania | Programme Officer – HIV, TB and KAP
Kuwinda Lane, off Langata Road, Karen C
P O Box 112 – 00202 KNH Nairobi
Tel: 020, 2515790
E-mail: okaniapesa@kelinkenya.org
Website: www.kelinkenya.org
[1] One Impact Platform Community Led Monitoring (CLM) is the TB approach to community empowerment and participation for rapid action and joint evidence-based response to end TB. It enables people affected by TB to access services, voice opinions, raise concerns, co-create solutions with key decision makers and to advocate for change.
[2] Community-Led- Monitoring(CLM) is a training approach that encourages and facilitates the participation and collaboration of people affected by TB with TB programmes at the community level to activate a human rights-based, people-centered response.
