BY ANGELA R. KIURA
Embu County has recorded a worrying increase in Tuberculosis (TB) infections in 2026, with men emerging as the most affected group, health officials have revealed.
Embu County Health Promotion Education officer, Ms. Pauline Nginyo, said Embu is experiencing a steady rise in new TB cases despite ongoing efforts to curb the disease. She noted that over 100 new infections have already been reported this year alone.
Data from the Ministry of Health shows that TB cases in Embu have fluctuated in recent years, increasing from 1,014 cases in 2020 to a peak of 1,891 in 2022.
Although the numbers slightly declined to 1,807 in 2024, they rose again to 1,809 in 2025, underscoring the persistent burden of the disease.
“Of the cases reported this year, 13 percent are purely TB infections without other accompanying diseases,” Nginyo said.
Health officials have linked the surge to factors such as overcrowding, poor ventilation in homes and public spaces, inadequate lighting, low immunity, and close contact with infected individuals.
Men, in particular, are disproportionately affected due to lifestyle-related risks, including alcohol consumption, smoking, and substance abuse, Nginyo added.
To address the growing concern, the county has intensified awareness campaigns targeting communication officers, media practitioners, and Community Health Assistants to enhance public education and early detection.
Nginyo also emphasized that TB testing plays a critical role not only in diagnosis but also in identifying related infections, including HIV/AIDS.
At the same time, Magdaline Wakina, also an officer from the Health Promotion Department, urged residents to seek immediate medical attention if they experience symptoms such as persistent coughing, sneezing, fever, and unexplained weight loss.
The remarks were made during a media and medical sensitization forum held at Embu Level Five Hospital on March 25, 2026, as part of activities to mark World TB Day.
This year’s theme, “Yes! We Can End TB: Led by Countries, Powered by People,” highlights the critical role of collective action in eliminating the disease.
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