Govt steps up fight against TB with integrated community lung health push

The government has reaffirmed its commitment to fighting tuberculosis and improving lung health as part of wider efforts to strengthen primary healthcare and protect vulnerable communities. The focus is on bringing services closer to people while addressing related health challenges that often go untreated.

In a statement shared on X on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, the Ministry of Health said integrated TB and lung health services remain a key priority for Kenya’s health system, especially as the country works to reduce preventable illness and deaths linked to respiratory diseases.

“Strengthening integrated TB and lung health services remains a core priority for Kenya’s health system,” the statement reads

The ministry explained that the renewed push is being supported through partnerships with health organisations working at the community level, where early diagnosis and treatment can make a major difference.

Providing details of the latest engagement, the Ministry said senior health officials met development partners to review progress of an ongoing project targeting TB and lung health services in parts of Kiambu County. The talks focused on how the initiative is performing on the ground and what lessons can be drawn so far.

“Today, the Principal Secretary for Public Health and Professional Standards, Mary Muthoni, held talks with Centre for Health Solutions – Kenya to review progress in the TB REACH Vumbua Project, jointly implemented with the Ministry of Health in Thika and Limuru sub-counties of Kiambu County,” part of the ministry’s statement reads.

The ministry noted that the project is designed to respond to real-life health needs by combining several services under one approach. This is meant to reduce the burden on patients who often struggle to access different forms of care separately, especially in underserved areas.

According to the statement, the discussions examined early outcomes from the integrated model, including how well communities are responding and how health facilities are coping with the expanded scope of services. The talks also looked ahead to how the approach could be sustained and expanded beyond the current areas.

“The engagement assessed early results from an integrated service delivery approach that brings together TB care, chronic lung disease management, mental health support, and nutrition services at community and primary health care levels, discussions also focused on lessons learnt, long-term sustainability, and opportunities for scale-up in line with Kenya’s Universal Health Coverage and Primary Health Care reforms,” the statement reads.

The Ministry said the integrated approach reflects Kenya’s long-term goal of building a people-centred health system that treats patients holistically.