Empowering Healthcare Workers to Combat TB and Lung Diseases

March 21, 2025Mbetera FelixUncategorized1

At Semara Hotel in Machakos County, healthcare workers from Nakuru, Nairobi, and Murang’a counties have gathered for a transformative training session aimed at strengthening their skills in managing tuberculosis (TB) and other chronic lung diseases. Among them is Dr. Neimah Barasa, a dedicated TB, Leprosy, and Other Lung Disease Coordinator from Nakuru, who has seen firsthand the devastating impact of TB in her county.

“We have seen many patients struggle due to late diagnosis and inadequate management of lung diseases. This training gives us hope that we can change that,” says Dr. Barasa.

Dr. Barasa is participating in a five-day capacity-building workshop organized by the Division of Tuberculosis and Other Lung Diseases (DTLD) in collaboration with the Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI), with support from GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF). The training aims to equip County and Sub-county TB Coordinators, Physicians, CMLCs, Nurses, NCD coordinators, Pharmacists, Radiographers, Psychologists and CHRIOs from three pilot counties with the skills needed to implement Integrated Lung Health Services. This initiative is a critical step toward strengthening TB and lung disease management in Kenya. Through a cascade training model, these trainers will, in turn, empower facility-based healthcare workers, ensuring best practices are adopted at all levels.

The workshop is part of the Integrated Program on Asthma, COPD, and TB (iPACT), a transformative initiative designed to address the growing burden of respiratory diseases in Kenya. iPACT focuses on Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), asthma, and TB, three major contributors to respiratory illness, with the aim of improving health outcomes and expanding access to quality lung care across the country.

With TB still a major public health concern in Kenya and chronic lung diseases on the rise, the need for a coordinated and integrated approach has never been greater. The training enhances healthcare workers’ capacity in screening, diagnosis, and case management while also improving monitoring and evaluation (M&E) systems.

Through interactive sessions, case studies, and practical demonstrations, participants are gaining essential insights into early TB detection, lung health management, and patient-centered care. One of the key highlights is the introduction of spirometry in detecting lung abnormalities beyond TB.

According to Tamer Haidar, Area Sales Manager (Middle East/Asia/Africa) for NDD Medical Technologies, spirometry has been instrumental in improving early detection and accurate diagnosis of COPD and other chronic lung diseases.

“Spirometry machines assess lung function by measuring air volume and flow during inhalation and exhalation. They provide clinicians with essential data to diagnose respiratory conditions, monitor disease progression, and evaluate treatment effectiveness,” explains Haidar during his presentation.

CHAI has conducted extensive market analysis and supplier engagement for spirometers, digital chest X-rays with AI, and peak flow meters while mapping existing diagnostic equipment across counties. This strategic approach will ensure equitable distribution of diagnostic tools during the implementation of iPACT, enhancing access to quality lung health services.

Alongside the training, a lung health scoping workshop is bringing together policymakers, researchers, and healthcare professionals. The goal is to finalize integrated lung health guidelines, align health indicators within national reporting systems, and develop research protocols that will inform future interventions.

With increased capacity among healthcare workers, improved M&E tools, and strengthened partnerships, Kenya is making significant strides toward ending TB and improving lung health services.