Because Men Don’t Speak Out Doesn’t Mean They Don’t Face Gender-Based Violence

Gender-based violence (GBV) is often seen as an issue affecting women and girls, but it is important to recognize that men and boys are also victims. In Kenya, cultural norms and societal expectations make it difficult for men to speak out about their experiences with GBV. Many fear judgment, ridicule, or being seen as weak. This silence, however, does not mean that GBV against men does not exist.

Men face different forms of GBV, including physical abuse, emotional manipulation, and economic control. Key populations, such as men who have sex with men (MSM) or men living with HIV, are particularly vulnerable due to stigma and discrimination. Unfortunately, because these issues are rarely discussed openly, the victims are often left to suffer in silence, with minimal support or understanding from their communities.

This year’s World AIDS Day theme in Kenya puts the spotlight on men and boys, aiming to address some of these challenges. In a groundbreaking move, the event will feature a marathon where men and boys will take center stage, symbolizing resilience, unity, and the need for open conversations about their health and well-being. This initiative not only acknowledges the critical role men play in fighting HIV but also creates a platform to discuss issues like GBV that are rarely associated with men.

The marathon is an opportunity to break the silence and challenge harmful stereotypes that prevent men from seeking help. It is also a chance to reinforce the importance of men’s participation in ending HIV and GBV in Kenya. As the country gears up for World AIDS Day 2024, we must ensure that men feel supported to speak out about their struggles and become active partners in creating a violence-free society.

Let us use this event to advocate for inclusivity and raise awareness that GBV is not just a women’s issue—it affects everyone. By addressing GBV and HIV together, we can take meaningful steps toward a healthier, more equitable Kenya.

Profits Over Patients? No

In Kenya's ambitious march toward Universal Health Coverage (UHC), private health facilities are scrambling to partner with the Social Health Authority. On paper, Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) sound like the ultimate win-win. But scratch the surface, and a glaring question emerges: are private players truly committed to equitable care, or just another profit-making venture?

Take TB care, a cornerstone of public health, yet glaringly overlooked in many private setups. The very facilities eyeing UHC contracts have left gaps in basic services. Their commitment to "standard care" often extends only as far as the cheques flow. It’s no secret that for many private providers, underserved areas and chronic conditions like TB simply don’t fit into their business models.

Yet these same facilities now want a seat at the UHC table, hoping for lucrative contracts and public funding. Should we roll out the red carpet for those who have repeatedly ignored the health of the most vulnerable? Without stringent scrutiny, Kenya risks turning UHC into a blank cheque for private profits, not better health outcomes.

The solution? Enforce rigorous accreditation. Before engaging in PPPs, private facilities must demonstrate their commitment to standards of care, especially in neglected areas like TB. Transparency in service delivery and financial practices must be non-negotiable, and performance evaluations should involve independent bodies and community-led monitoring mechanisms.

UHC is a promise to all Kenyans, not a business deal. Private facilities have a role to play, but only if they are willing to put patients before profits. If they can’t meet these expectations, they should stay out of the way of Kenya’s healthcare revolution. Otherwise, UHC will be nothing more than an expensive charade, where those who need it most remain in the shadows of neglect.

Bringing Lung Diagnostics to Kenyan Communities: A Call for Equitable Access to X-Ray and CT Technology

In the recently concluded Joseph Oluoch International Scientific Lung Conference in Nairobi, one resounding message emerged: the need for accessible and reliable lung diagnostic tools in every corner of Kenya. X-Ray and CT imaging, highlighted by global experts at the conference, offer an essential route for early detection and treatment of lung diseases like tuberculosis (TB), pneumonia, and even lung cancer. The conference became a rallying point for advocates, particularly TB champions, to push for these life-saving tools to be installed and maintained at local healthcare facilities, making quality care accessible and affordable for communities nationwide.

Kenya is grappling with a high incidence of lung diseases, with the World Health Organization (WHO) identifying TB as one of the leading infectious disease killers in the country. Data from the Ministry of Health underscores a worrisome reality: each year, Kenya records over 86,000 new TB cases, with thousands going undetected due to gaps in diagnostics. Other lung diseases, including COVID-19 and pneumonia, continue to pose significant health burdens, particularly in underserved areas where diagnostic equipment and trained personnel are often scarce. Unfortunately, for many Kenyans, this means they either receive a delayed diagnosis or none at all, leading to unnecessary complications, prolonged illness, and, too often, fatalities.

Without adequate diagnostic tools like X-Ray and CT scans, healthcare providers are left relying on basic examinations and symptoms that may not always accurately reflect the underlying illness. Misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis not only costs lives but also drains resources for families who seek repeated medical consultations, as well as for the healthcare system, which must treat advanced stages of preventable diseases.

The potential of technology, including artificial intelligence (AI), adds another dimension to this challenge. AI applications can revolutionize the interpretation of X-Ray and CT images, especially in remote or underserved regions. With AI tools, healthcare workers could accurately diagnose lung diseases even when specialists aren’t available on-site, bridging the gap between urban and rural healthcare quality. A powerful synergy between diagnostic equipment and digital tools could ensure that even the most remote clinic offers reliable diagnostics. For Kenya, this isn’t a future ambition but an urgent need.

Equipping local facilities with X-Ray and CT scanners would represent a significant leap toward healthcare equity in Kenya, where every Kenyan, regardless of location, has access to timely and accurate diagnostics. Kenya’s TB champions, healthcare leaders, and policymakers have a unique advocacy opportunity to drive these changes, ensuring that no one is left behind in the fight against lung disease.

As we move forward, our collective challenge is clear: we must secure the necessary equipment, invest in skilled personnel, and embrace innovative digital tools to protect Kenya’s most vulnerable. Ensuring that our communities have access to life-saving diagnostic technology is not just a matter of health but a matter of justice.