JOOTRH partners with the University of Washington to launch Kulinda Study to combat TB in Kenya

KENYA—Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH) has launched the Kulinda Study, a community initiative to strengthen tuberculosis (TB) prevention, enhance early diagnosis, and improve access to treatment in Kisumu County.

The hospital introduced the programme as part of broader efforts to reduce the burden of airborne diseases through stronger community engagement and evidence-based interventions.

The initiative, formally titled “Expanding Access and Impact of Tuberculosis Preventive Therapy: Community-friendly delivery and monitoring of TPT to improve uptake and reduce TB transmission,” brings together the University of Washington and the Kisumu County Department of Health.

It focuses on improving the delivery, uptake, and adherence of Tuberculosis Preventive Therapy (TPT) while also strengthening community-based monitoring systems to support long-term disease control.

Community engagement and early detection

Health experts involved in the programme emphasized that the study will rely heavily on community participation to achieve its goals.

Through health education, early screening, and structured follow-up systems, the initiative seeks to identify TB cases earlier and ensure timely treatment.

During the launch, stakeholders highlighted the central role of Community Health Promoters in identifying suspected cases, raising awareness, and linking individuals to healthcare services.

They also stressed that reducing stigma around tuberculosis remains essential for encouraging more people to seek diagnosis and complete treatment without delay.

Strengthening partnerships for public health impact

The launch event brought together healthcare professionals, researchers, public health officials, community health workers, and development partners.

JOOTRH Chief Executive Officer Dr. Joshua Okise attended the event and reaffirmed the hospital’s commitment to supporting innovative research aimed at improving health outcomes in the region.

He noted that collaborative research among hospitals, academic institutions, and county health systems plays a key role in generating practical evidence to guide disease prevention strategies and strengthen healthcare delivery at the community level.

Speaking at the same event, Dr. Adrienne Shapiro underscored the importance of sustained partnerships in addressing persistent public health challenges.

She pointed out that joint research efforts help translate scientific findings into practical solutions that communities can easily adopt.

Focus on sustainable TB control strategies

Participants at the launch further called for stronger community-led TB prevention and treatment programmes.

They noted that improving access to services and ensuring consistent adherence to treatment are critical steps toward reducing transmission rates.

They also encouraged continued investment in awareness campaigns and monitoring systems that support early diagnosis and long-term patient follow-up.

While no new external funding figures were disclosed during the event, stakeholders reiterated their commitment to leveraging existing partnerships to sustain the initiative.

The event concluded with renewed collaboration between JOOTRH, academic partners, and county health authorities, as they work together to advance TB prevention efforts and strengthen community-based healthcare interventions across the region.