ISSN: 2471-9315
Felix Chitoma
Kenya
Posters & Accepted Abstracts: Appli Microbiol Open Access
Kenya is rated 15th among the 22 high TB burdened countries globally. TB remains the 4th leading cause of death in Kenya. HIV and TB epidemics are a challenge as co-infection rate stands at 35% in 2014. Challenges in TB prevention include migration of the fisher folk community in search of fish, mortality as a result of co-infection, other alternative intervention due to denial and stigma, undiagnosed TB among children. High prevalence of HIV-AIDS among the fisher folk community predisposes the population to TB infection because of the compromised immunity hence eroding the already achieved gains in TB prevention and control. This further complicates the TB prevention and control equation. Increased TB case detection rate in Naya community unit has been credited to Community health services dispensation that has played a pivotal role in improving TB prevention and control using Community health workers. The methodology employed in the community has resulted in intensified TB case findings, increased drug adherence among TB clients, reduced TB defaulter cases, enhanced communitybased DOT strategy by CHWs, increased TB contacts referral for screening at Naya Health Facility and teamwork among stakeholders involved in TB prevention and control. Evidence based practices employed by CHWs and health facility team coupled with opportunities like good community health facility linkage through teamwork, established Beach Management Unit among the fisher folk communities, stipend provided by AMREF to CHWs and integrated TB/HIV-AIDS management courtesy of CHS has resulted in increased Cure Rate among TB clients, increased TB detection and reduced TB prevalence among the beaches in Naya Community Unit. Mitigating on the challenges involved in TB prevention and control there is great need to focus on evidence-based Research aimed at exploring the circumstances behind the high incidence rate of TB among the fishing communities. Integrated sector wide approach is key in TB/HIV-AIDS prevention and control and crucial for greater impact. Increased financial commitment by both the national and County Government shall necessitate reduction in TB/HIV-AIDS prevalent among the fishing Communities. This success case study should be replicated and cascaded widely among the fisher folk communities together with other interventions tailor made by other stakeholders focusing on this sensitive and touchy population.
E-mail: chitomafelix@yahoo.com