Carol, who was a university student in 2019, vividly recalls how persistent coughing, fever, and night sweats turned into a distressing medical journey. Despite seeking medical attention twice, she was misdiagnosed with pneumonia and prescribed antibiotics. It was only on her third hospital visit that she was finally screened for tuberculosis (TB) and confirmed positive. She underwent treatment and eventually made a full recovery.

Isaac’s battle with TB lasted even longer. For nearly a year, he endured unexplained health issues while consulting multiple healthcare facilities. It was only after visiting a chest clinic that he was diagnosed with TB. Following months of treatment, he was declared TB-free just two weeks ago.

Their experiences reflect a broader reality. In Kenya, 266 people contract TB daily, and 14 succumb to the disease. Experts highlight one of the biggest challenges in tackling TB—the “missing men,” referring to those who delay seeking medical care. Dr. Immaculate Kathure, Head of the Division of Tuberculosis and Lung Diseases, notes that men aged 25-44 carry the highest burden, accounting for 63% of TB cases.

Children are also increasingly affected. In 2023, pediatric TB cases constituted 13.3% of all reported cases, with the highest prevalence among children under five years old. Dr Kathure, underscores the critical need for early screening and testing, particularly among vulnerable populations.

To commemorate World TB Day, a three-day community medical outreach was conducted across various locations in Nairobi, providing free TB screening, testing, and diagnosis. Nairobi continues to bear the highest TB burden in the country, emphasizing the urgency for sustained awareness and intervention efforts.

Kenya has made remarkable progress in TB treatment, achieving an 88% treatment success rate. However, late diagnosis remains a significant hurdle. “The key to ending TB is ensuring that individuals get tested and treated early,” Dr. Stephen Ndolo, Director of Health Promotion and Program Management at National Syndemic Diseases Control Council noted while emphasising on the commitment of ending TB by 2030. This is in line with World TB Day 2025 theme of “Yes, We can End TB – Commit, Invest, Deliver”

Kenya joins the global community in marking World TB Day, with the focus of raising awareness, strengthening early detection, and ensuring that no one is left behind in the fight against TB.