Turkana: A three-day targeted Tuberculosis (TB) outreach using a mobile cad4 digital x-ray screening machine has been successfully concluded in Kalemngorok and Kaptiir villages, Turkana South Sub-county. The free screening campaign, part of a data-driven initiative to tackle TB in hard-to-reach areas, brought essential diagnostic services directly to communities who are often underserved.
According to Kenya News Agency, the outreach aimed to increase TB case detection, provide accessible screening services, and mobilize local communities through awareness led by health officials, local leaders, and partner institutions. The activity under the Global Fund TB project by World Relief followed a joint TB data review by the county government, Amref imarisha jamii, CHS, and Kenya Red Cross Society, which flagged Kalemngorok and Kaptiir as TB hotspots.
The review showed a sharp rise in TB cases, initially thought to result from increased screening but later confirmed to be an outbreak linked to a newly established mining site in Kaptiir-a key risk factor for TB transmission due to poor living and working conditions. Over the course of the outreach, health teams reached a target population of miners, bridge workers, and local residents, offering free chest x-rays and follow-up testing.
A total of 343 people were screened, including 171 male and 172 female residents. 302 x-rays were conducted with 144 presumptive TB cases tested out of the 229 cases identified, and 23 cases were bacteriologically confirmed TB cases. According to the County Tuberculosis and Lung Disease Coordinator Dr. Job Okemwa, "all 23 individuals who tested positive for TB were successfully traced and initiated on treatment, ensuring timely care and preventing further transmission in the community."
Monitoring and Evaluation Officer at World Relief, Oliver Lokoroi, termed the outreach a major success in early detection and response, particularly in areas with limited access to diagnostic services. "By combining data-driven targeting with mobile screening technology, the effort showcases how localized strategies can bridge healthcare gaps and save lives," he stated.
In its continued efforts to reduce the TB burden, the Department of Health and Sanitation, in partnership with stakeholders, reaffirmed commitment to expanding similar outreach programs to other underserved areas.