Baringo County has recorded a significant decline inTuberculosis (TB)-related deaths from 3.4 percent to 2.1 percent, alongsideimproved treatment success rates now standing at 91.7 percent, signaling steadyprogress in the fight against the disease.

The gains, which also include a reduction in treatmentinterruption from 5.1 percent to 4.1 percent and an increase in cure rates from64 percent to 69 percent, were highlighted during World TB Day commemorationsheld in Chemolingot, Tiaty Sub-County.

In a speech delivered on his behalf by Director of Preventiveand Promotive Health, Dr. Patrick Boruett, Governor H.E. Benjamin Cheboi saidthe annual observance on March 24 underscores the urgency of ending TB, theworlds deadliest infectious disease, which continues to impact communitiesacross the globe and within Baringo.

Referencing the 2026 theme, Yes! We can end TB!, the Governordescribed it as a powerful call to action, affirming that ending TB isachievable through strong leadership, increased investment, rapid adoption ofglobal best practices, and enhanced multi-sector collaboration.

He noted that globally, over 3,400 people die daily from TBwhile nearly 30,000 fall ill from the preventable and curable disease,emphasizing the need for accelerated action.

Baringo TB Situation

The Governor revealed that in 2025, the county recorded 1,044drug-sensitive TB cases, with 59 percent of patients also affected bymalnutrition. Of these, 90 percent completed treatment, while 3 percentdefaulted, 4 percent died, and 3 percent remain on treatment, with a number ofcases still unreached in the community.

Additionally, 24 drug-resistant TB cases were reported, mainlyin Tiaty and Marigat, with 42 percent cured, one death recorded, and over halfstill undergoing treatment.

A total of 1,004 individuals were screened and initiated on TBpreventive therapy, including healthcare workers, household contacts andprisoners, though uptake remains low among some target groups, particularly inTiaty.

The county has enhanced diagnostic capacity through theinstallation of GeneXpert machines at Baringo County Referral Hospital, EldamaRavine and Marigat hospitals, alongside TruNat machines in Chemolingot and Tangulbei.TB microscopy services are now available in 34 health facilities, supported byan efficient sample referral system through partners. Further progress includesthe installation of AI-powered X-ray machines and additional GeneXpertequipment at Equator and Barwessa health centres to boost early detection.

Call for Collective Action

Governor Cheboi emphasized that ending TB requires a unified,multi-sectoral approach to tackle key drivers such as poverty, undernutrition,stigma and inequity.

He called on the public to seek early screening, especially forsymptoms such as persistent cough lasting more than two weeks, weight loss,night sweats and coughing blood, noting that TB is airborne but preventable andfully treatable with free medication available in county facilities.

He urged residents to reject stigma and misinformation, whileencouraging health workers, community leaders and youth to play an active rolein awareness creation, early detection and patient support.

The Governor also commended partners supporting TB interventionsin the county, including the National TB Programme, National ReferenceLaboratories, Lancet Laboratories, Deloitte, Kenya Red Cross, Gold Star Kenya,KMTC Chemolingot and Keshi Limited.

With sustained effort and collective responsibility, ending TBis within reach, the Governors message stated.