MAKUENI BATTLES TB AS OVER 40% TO 50% OF CASES GO UNDIAGNOSED

Makueni County recorded 2,200 new tuberculosis (TB) cases in 2024, with more than half going undiagnosed, raising concerns over the silent spread of the disease.

Health Services CECM, Dr. Paul Musila, revealed these figures at Matiliku Market on Monday while delivering his speech during World TB Day.

He expressed alarm over childhood TB, noting that 161 children were diagnosed in 2024,just 60% of the expected cases,leaving 40% undetected.

Dr. Musila reaffirmed the county government’s commitment, in partnership with stakeholders, to intensify TB control efforts.

Measures include increasing public awareness, enhancing early diagnosis and treatment, conducting outreach screenings, and integrating TB education into school health programs.

Echoing his sentiments, Chief Officer for Health Administration and Human Resource, Dr. Harvey Mulei, emphasized that TB treatment and medication are available free of charge at all county health facilities.

He urged locals to take advantage of these services by seeking TB screening at the nearest health center.