#Cycling2EndTB is a community driven initiative by Mandela TB HIV Information CBO to ensure we end TB by 2030.Together with RASGA Kenya, Maisha Youth and TB champions, Stop TB Kenya organized a buildup activity gearing towards World TB 2022 on 24th March whose theme is "Invest to End TB. Save Lives" as the theme for this year's World TB Day campaign to ensure there are resources to tackle TB
Tuberculosis in children (younger than 15 years) has often been considered a minor problem by national tuberculosis programmes. The low bacterial load of tuberculosis in children, which confers a lower risk of disease transmission,In Kenya, TB remains a major public health problem. It’s the leading cause of death among children and adults combined ranking above HIV and AIDS. Childhood TB made up only 9.7% of these patients; this was much lower than the estimated 15% a likely indication of significant number of children being undiagnosed and untreated. Some pediatric admissions with symptoms associated with TB had documentation and with amongst them got TB tests requested and diagnosed. There are also cases of inadequate investigation. Major challenges remain in identifying and investigating TB in children in hospitals with access to Xpert MTB/RIF.
Our activities included a procession within the informal settlement of Nyalenda Kisumu led by bicycle riders who are also health champions including TB survivor,distribution of IEC material on TB as well as TB rights. We had a discussion on TB with children based on the materials we had share earlier, we also used a Prevention with positives flip chart using graphics borrowed from the HIV program to trigger the children’s mind particularly the young ones, Qand A sessions. From the answers we were able to pick up that they understood issues on infection control, treatment and support. We also mobilize the community to turn up for free TB screening by the TB program that will take place at Joel Omino Health Centre in Nyalenda B on Monday 21st and Tuesday 22nd March in Javaisha/Nyaori Nyalenda A. We urged the community to turn up in large numbers Not to forget we reminded every that #Covid 19 is still with us and need for everyone to take care as the Ministry of Health Guidelines.
The children had entertainment sessions and performance lace with TB messages by Antisana the nyatiti lady who’s also a Health ambassador. We can proudly say that all the kids enjoyed the activity and were happy particularly with the Hello Kitty from StopTB Partnership. Thanks to Ghetto Radio, Look Up TV and Nyota TV for coverage to drive our advocacy agenda on children and TB ,As TB champions we appeal to partners to provide community groups championing the #TB cause with bicycles as enablers
Access to information is a Human Rights issue, Therefore the TB program need to make child friendly information on TB available. Also, the need for the government and donors to fund grassroots level interventions when it comes to TB Active case finding and prevention, we cannot forget like minded organizations that have consistently been supporting community engagement.#Cycling2EndTB is committed to carry outreaches, advocacy to target different groups in our communities after all we will also save our environment from pollution at the same time. This should be a continuous activity
