Felix Chitoma Opiyow
Kenya
Title: Impact of community health services working towards reduced TB prevalent among the fisher folk community- a case of Naya Community Unit in Rarieda Sub County of Siaya in Kenya
Biography
Biography: Felix Chitoma Opiyow
Abstract
Kenya is rated 15th among the 22 high TB burdened countries globally.TB remains the 4th leading cause of death in Kenya. Duald HIV and TB epidemics are a challenge as co-infection rate stands at 35% in 2014.
Challenges in TB prevention include migration of the fisher folk community in search of fish, mortality as a result of co-infection, other alternative intervention due to denial and stigma, undiagnosed TB among children. Documentation by Community Health Workers .High prevalence of HIV-AIDS among the fisher folk community predisposes the population to TB infection because of the compromised immunity hence eroding the already achieved gains in TB prevention and control. This further complicates the TB prevention and control equation.Increased TB case detection rate in Naya community Unit has been credited to Community Health Services dispensation that has played a pivotal role in improving TB prevention and control using Community Health Workers.