Kenya: TB Patients to Get Free Treatment

Public health institutions in Kenya will provide free medical services to TB and malaria patients, said Health Minister Charity Ngilu. The Kenyan government sent enough drugs countrywide to combat the public health threats, according to a speech read on Ngilu's behalf by Dr. Richard Muga, director of medical services. Ngilu acknowledged that TB is associated with HIV/AIDS, but stressed that the disease is curable and urged patients to report to hospitals for diagnosis and treatment. Last year, there were 82,113 TB cases diagnosed in Kenya with an 8 percent death rate, Ngilu said. In addition, Muga told patients and the general public to report to police any corrupt health officials who demand money for TB or malaria drugs and services.

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