Photo: Stakeholders and partners launch the first TB LEA report in Nairobi, Kenya
On 28 February 2018, KELIN with support from Stop TB Partnership and USAID launched a legal environment assessment report on Tuberculosis. The Assessment is the first of its kind to be conducted in the world, focusing on TB.
Key among recommendations from the report is the need to review the Public Health Act to ensure it is protective, respects human rights and does not contribute to barriers in the response to TB.
Sections 26 and 27 of the Act have previously been used to incarcerate TB patients who had challenges adhering to TB medication. During the launch, Samuel Misoi, who is the Section Head for Prevention & Health Promotion, National Tuberculosis, Leprosy and Lung Disease Program, informed delegates that the National TB Program agrees that there is a need to review the Public Health Act to ensure human rights of persons with TB are not violated.
“We need isolation wards, treatment, prevention and management – that are human rights compliant,” he reiterated.
Photo: Mr. Misoi makes remarks on behalf of the National Tuberculosis, Leprosy and Lung Disease Program
The findings of the TB Gender Assessment were also highlighted. They were summed up by Retired Justice Violet Mavisi as follows: “Men are either busy at work or seeking employment, hence have no time to seek treatment. Women, on the other hand, have to seek permission from men. Money and power are barriers to TB treatment.”
The Data Assessment of TB in Key, Vulnerable and Underserved Populations established that there were no population estimates for TB in key, vulnerable and underserved populations in Kenya. The minimal data that exists reflects on TB and HIV co-infection among certain key populations.
Speaking for USAID Kenya, Dr. Maina recommended a three Cs approach, which he said would ensure effective dissemination of the findings of these reports. “Communicate it; Collaborate in implementation; ensure Commitment of resources and time,” he said.
A committee will be instituted by KELIN to develop a plan of action and oversee implementation of the recommendations from the launch.
To contribute to the discussion and for live updates follow KELIN on our social media platforms using the hashtag #KenyaTBLEA
Twitter: @KELINkenya
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/kelinkenya
To access more resources on TB, follow the links below:
- Tuberculosis: an Assessment of the Legal Environment in Kenya
- Tuberculosis: a Gender Assessment in Kenya
- Tuberculosis: Data Assessment in Key, vulnerable and Underserved populations in Kenya
- Tuberculosis Isolation Policy
- Global TB Report 2018 (WHO)
- National Strategic Plan for Tuberculosis, Leprosy and Lung Health (2019-2023)
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
