National Lung Health Stakeholders Meeting: A Collaborative Effort for Lung Health in Kenya
The National TB Program Lung Health Stakeholders Meeting, running from September 17th to 20th, 2024 at the Lake Naivasha Resort, has brought together key representatives from Ministry of Health and various organizations, including the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF), GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI), World Health Organization (WHO), USAID funded Center for Health Solutions (CHS), HealthIT, AMREF, RESOK, FIND-Kenya, Qure AI, ASTRA-ZENECA and KEMRI
The meeting’s primary focus is on the prevention, diagnosis, and management of respiratory diseases, which are a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in Kenya. With respiratory diseases accounting for at least 25% of outpatient morbidity and being among the top five causes of mortality, the urgency of this gathering cannot be overstated.
According to Dr. Immaculate Kathure, Acting Head of the National TB Program, the Division of Tuberculosis and Other Lung Diseases aims to harness the collective expertise and resources of all stakeholders to create a robust and coordinated response to lung health challenges in the country.
“This meeting is a testament to our commitment to improving health outcomes for all Kenyans.” She said during her opening remarks.
The stakeholders are delving into various aspects of lung health, including the high burden of tuberculosis (TB) in Kenya, which is among the 30 countries with the highest TB burden globally. The discussions also cover other respiratory diseases such as pneumonia, acute respiratory infections (ARI), asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and lung cancer among others.
Dr. Puneet Dewan from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, highlighted the foundation’s commitment to lung health: “Investing in lung health is investing in the future of our communities.”
He noted that by addressing respiratory diseases, the country can significantly reduce the burden on the healthcare systems and improve the quality of life for millions of Kenyans
The meeting also focuses on innovative approaches to diagnosis and treatment. There is a suboptimal diagnosis of conditions like asthma and COPD in the country with the widespread use of spirometry being advocated to improve diagnosis and management.
The Clinton Health Access Initiative Senior Director of, Infectious Disease Program, Davis Karambi, shared his insights: “We are committed to advancing respiratory health through innovative treatments and diagnostic tools. Our collaboration with the National TB Program and other stakeholders is crucial in making these advancements accessible to those who need them most.”
This meeting is a powerful demonstration of what stakeholders can achieve when they work together. By uniting efforts, stakeholders can create sustainable solutions that will have a lasting impact on lung health in Kenya and beyond. The meeting outcomes are expected to shape the strategic direction of lung health initiatives in Kenya for years to come. The meeting is supported by Clinton Health Access Initiative
