NAIROBI, KENYA, JAN 5 – Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha has assured on the availability of Tuberculosis (TB) medicines at health facilities countrywide.
Nakhumicha told a press conference Friday that the country has received sufficient stocks of TB medicines and is expecting more shipments by February to ensure uninterrupted patient access to medication.
“We have received support from our neighboring country, Tanzania, which has enabled us to acquire ample stocks that have already been distributed,” she affirmed. “Furthermore, we have enhanced our supply chain, and we anticipate that our current stock levels are adequate. We are also preparing for additional deliveries in February to maintain patient coverage.”
Addressing concerns raised last October by Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) about a TB drug shortage resulting from supply chain issues, CS Nakhumicha acknowledged the difficulties faced during the previous year. She explained that these challenges have led to valuable insights in managing critical tenders effectively.
“We have learned valuable lessons regarding our supply chain and the tendering process for essential items,” she remarked. “In the past, tenders were exclusively awarded to a single vendor. However, we have now decided to split the tenders and engage two vendors. This way, if one faces difficulties, the other can step in to ensure a continuous supply of drugs, preventing patients from experiencing shortages.”
