The County Government of Nakuru, through its Department of Public Health, officially launched the Global Fund TB Grant Cycle 7 (C7) today, marking a significant milestone in the county’s commitment to eradicating tuberculosis (TB).

The strategic entry meeting, held in Nakuru Town, brought together key stakeholders, including the Acting Director for Public Health, Mr. Gerald Maina, and the County TB and Leprosy Coordinator, Dr. Judy Neimah Barasa. Also in attendance were Sub-County TB Coordinators and implementing partners from the Non-State Principal Recipient, AMREF Health Africa, and Sub-Recipient, World Vision Kenya.

The Global Fund TB Grant C7, to be implemented by World Vision Kenya and AMREF, seeks to strengthen Nakuru’s capacity to prevent, detect, and treat TB at both facility and community levels. It will focus on enhancing community-led TB control through improved coordination, evidence-based interventions, and resource mobilisation for sustainable impact.

Speaking during the forum, Dr. Barasa emphasised the importance of data and evidence in TB control.

“We are prioritizing evidence-based interventions, from contact tracing to accurate diagnosis and timely treatment,” she said, reaffirming the department’s focus on accountability and results.

A key priority under the new grant cycle is contact invitation and tracing, a crucial strategy that involves identifying individuals who have been exposed to infectious TB patients (known as index cases), screening them for infection or active disease, and linking them to care early. This targeted approach helps interrupt TB transmission and ensures early detection and treatment of undiagnosed cases.

Mr. Gerald Maina welcomed the partnership with World Vision Kenya and AMREF, calling it a timely boost for Nakuru’s health sector.

“This collaboration will help us build stronger community linkages and bolster our health systems to effectively respond to TB,” he noted.

The Global Fund TB Grant C7 aligns with Governor Susan Kihika’s broader health agenda to strengthen public health delivery across the county. The initiative is expected to enhance community engagement and support the county’s wider goal of eliminating TB as a public health threat.

With a unified approach between the government and partners, Nakuru County is well-positioned to achieve significant progress in TB prevention, diagnosis, and treatment under the C7 grant cycle