Investing For Impact Against Tuberculosis in Kenya

In August 2015, John Omondi developed chest pains, cough and had completely lost his appetite. After several weeks, he decided to visit Nakuru provincial Hospital for medical care which included a chest x-ray. Omondi was admitted for 3 days for more investigation and management.  He was diagnosed with Tuberculosis and started on treatment and counseling. 

After transferring closer to home, John continued his treatment at a local hospital but after only one month, stopped showing up at clinic. "I just felt I have improved and am now okay and thus decided to quit," John said. He went back to his duties as a long distance truck driver and could not be traced.

In March 2016, a Community Health Volunteer (CHV) visited John's house to screen other family members only to find John at home and his health badly deteriorated.  The CHV immediately organised a referral to the hospital where he was admitted and treatment resumed. After screening the family members, John's youngest child, age 2, was diagnosed with Tuberculosis and started on treatment; his daughter, who had no signs and symptoms, was referred to care and started prevention therapy.

“I nearly died my brother, but I thank God for saving my life”, said John sobbingly.

John and his son have currently finished treatment and are thankful to the hospital, CHVs and World Vision staff supporting the TB program.

“I will support other patients like me to ensure we succeed in Kenya so that people don’t die for lack of knowledge. My recommendation is that stigma is still a big issue we face especially during time of sickness from neighbours, family members, friends and even other CHVs and thus let us sensitize the communities to understand these diseases and separate from traditional believes that we have. I can now do my work and feed my family well and I thank you people for support especially the CHV who still comes to my household for support and follow-up on other issues."

Helping Families In Partnership With The Global Fund.

John's family was supported by the work of World Vision Kenya, partnering with the Global Fund, to accelerate the reduction of TB, leprosy and lung disease.  World Vision is a sub-recipient implementing the community-based activities including:

• screening all contacts for smear positive (both adults and under 5 children),
• defaulter tracing and
• organizing county stakeholders meetings to inform our programming and refine our approaches for effective and quality implementation.

The project is funded by Amref Health Africa in Kenya, principal recipient of funds in Kenya. This is a 2-year project: January 2016 to December 2017. World Vision, as the sub-recipient, implements in 5 counties (Trans-Nzoia, Nakuru, Narok,Bomet and TaitaTaveta).  

Contact

Project Manager: Tonny Wambua
World Vision Kenya
Email:Tonny_wambua@wvi.org