‘This journey started in 2010 when Daniel and Patrick Ng’etich were arrested for non-adherence to their TB medication. Their incarceration brought to light the numerous human rights violations that happen when people with TB are imprisoned and as a result, we challenged these actions in court. We are proud to see the realization of a policy that is evidence of compliance with the orders from that case. This does not end here. We need to disseminate the policy, communicate its contents and ensure compliance by public health officials. Stakeholders must also pool together resources to ensure the full implementation of this policy’
These were the reflections of Tabitha Saoyo, Deputy Executive Director, on 25th June 2018, when the National Tuberculosis, Leprosy and Lung Disease Program (NLTP) launched the TB isolation policy, 2018.
The policy outlines procedures to be followed when admitting persons with TB who interrupt or refuse to take their TB medication. It emphasizes the use of a patient-centred approach during the entire course of treatment, whilst spelling out the rights and responsibilities of people with TB. The Policy also articulates factors to be taken into account before enforcement of isolation.
In his remarks, Dr Peter Cherutich, Head of preventive and promotive health, who was also the guest speaker at the event, said, ‘As we advocate for better isolation and admission facilities in all our county and sub county health facilities, I call upon our development partners to continue their support towards realization of these goals. I ask all county governments to adopt the TB isolation policy and advocate for resources to construct and equip isolation facilities for TB and other infectious diseases in their respective counties. I also urge all the key players in TB prevention, treatment and care to intensify their efforts in educating the public on the facts on TB.’
KELIN will continue to work with communities of people with TB, the national TB program, county government, development partners and like-minded stakeholders in ensuring that the policy is adopted at all levels to ensure that human rights of persons with TB are respected and promoted in line with the Constitution of Kenya 2010.
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