Author: Charity Kilei

World Hypertension Day: How high blood pressure is killing a lot of Kenyans as it goes undetected May 17, 2025

Unlike many diseases that present clear symptoms, high blood pressure often goes unnoticed for years. Many people have no idea they suffer from it unt...

Bhang was their father: A mother’s raw journey through addiction, survival and sobriety May 11, 2025

Reports by the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse indicate a growing trend in drug use among women and girls in Kenya.

Silent but deadly: Growing burden of respiratory diseases in Kenya May 10, 2025

Respiratory illnesses and malaria remain the most common reasons for hospital visits in Kenya, according to new data released in the Economic Survey 2...

Is Kenya ready for next health crisis? Unpaid workers, weak systems raise alarms after Covid May 10, 2025

Without adequate investment in human resources and infrastructure, Kenya may struggle to respond effectively to future health emergencies, thereby com...

Explainer: Who are the striking UHC workers, and why are they protesting? May 08, 2025

Though hired on contractual terms, they were assured that their positions would be converted to permanent and pensionable roles after a set period.

Kenya launches public health institute to boost emergency response, centralise disease surveillance May 08, 2025

The KNPHI, established through a legal notice, provides Kenya with a centralised platform to coordinate health intelligence, risk detection, and natio...

Forgotten hygiene: Handwashing struggles in Nairobi slums as Covid protocols fade May 06, 2025

A spot check by The Eastleigh Voice across several slums in Nairobi paints a concerning picture of failed water initiatives, ruined infrastructure, dr...

Ignored allergies, sleepless nights: How undiagnosed sinusitis disrupted Leila’s life May 04, 2025

Acute rhinosinusitis is responsible for a large portion of adult antibiotic prescriptions, making it a leading cause of antibiotic use.

We’re paying, but still suffering: Patients urge SHA to expand outpatient cover May 04, 2025

The Social Health Authority was rolled out with the ambitious goal of achieving Universal Health Coverage, a cornerstone of Kenya’s health reform agen...

Trapped by TB and addiction: How substance abuse fuels spread of tuberculosis May 03, 2025

Substance use significantly weakens the immune system, making individuals more susceptible to TB infection or relapse. Moreover, alcohol interferes wi...

Trapped by borders: Migrant mothers face health inequities amid Kenya's healthcare reforms May 02, 2025

The reality of young people seeking better opportunities is a challenge many countries are facing, with individuals of different nationalities coming...

Why patients' voices must be at the forefront of driving Kenya's healthcare reforms May 01, 2025

KNH has established both verbal and non-verbal communication channels, including social media platforms, to encourage patients and their families to p...

Fear, misinformation plague parents despite child vaccines shortage resolution Apr 28, 2025

Health workers across Nairobi continue to urge parents not to delay childhood immunisations, emphasising that routine vaccines are now available in pu...

Explainer: Why your child needs that polio vaccine Apr 27, 2025

The WHO emphasises the importance of providing the polio vaccine to all children under five years old, starting at birth. The vaccine is typically adm...

Alone in the fight: Nairobi mother shares breast cancer battle after husband walks away Apr 26, 2025

Coupled with family pressures and the high cost of follow-ups, many patients drop out of treatment or fail to adhere to therapy.

Pharmacy and Poisons Board recalls substandard batches of Paracetamol, Augmentin Apr 24, 2025

In a statement released on Thursday, the Chief Executive Officer, Fred Siyoi, revealed the detection of several compromised batches of injectable Para...

Slum life breeds silent cholera risks amid poor sanitation Apr 22, 2025

Outbreaks typically escalate in overcrowded areas with broken sewer systems and limited access to clean water, creating the perfect environment for ch...

Teen mother’s journey highlights gaps in prenatal care for rural Kenyan women Apr 19, 2025

In Kenya, many pregnant women, especially in rural and low-income areas, miss out on essential prenatal care like ultrasounds due to cost and accessib...

Lack of reliable data hampers global response to youth mental health crisis Apr 18, 2025

WHO says that only by using clear, fair, and well-tested ways of assessing mental health can countries avoid two common mistakes: either underestimati...

Kenyan mothers struggle for survival, dignity and care in shadow of haemophilia Apr 18, 2025

Etot's plea to the government is to include outpatient services for haemophilia in the Social Health Authority (SHA) package.

Ruto suspends Mishra as BioVax chair in wake of Mediheal kidney transplant probe Apr 18, 2025

The Ministry of Health has confirmed that it is investigating Mediheal Hospital in Eldoret over allegations of organ trafficking involving foreign kid...

Living for Joana: A mother's unyielding journey of raising a child with cerebral palsy Apr 13, 2025

There is ongoing research into new treatments and potential breakthroughs for cerebral palsy, which include gene therapy, stem cell therapy, and devel...

Explainer: How Kenya is struggling to curb maternal, newborn deaths amid gaps in healthcare Apr 08, 2025

Between 2017 and 2021, maternal deaths more than doubled—from 409 to 1,053—while 4,307 newborn deaths were recorded in 2021. Prematurity, birth asphyx...

Health CS Duale inaugurates NHIF task force to audit pending claims worth Sh33 billion Apr 07, 2025

The committee, chaired by James Masiro, comprises professionals from the private sector, county governments, and the Social Health Authority (SHA) and...

Six months after SHIF rollout, Kenyans continue to face challenges in accessing healthcare Apr 06, 2025

While SHA has made promises to improve the healthcare system, including new commitments by Health CS Aden Duale, some experts believe the rollout was...

Digital eye strain: A growing public health concern Apr 04, 2025

According to Kenya's Ministry of Health, approximately 7.5 million Kenyans need eye care services, with cataracts, refractive errors, and allergies be...

Born too soon: The crisis of premature births in Kenya Mar 30, 2025

The rising cases of preterm births are becoming a major global health concern, with devastating consequences for newborns and their families.​

Gender divide: Why men are more prone to tuberculosis Mar 30, 2025

According to the LIGHT Consortium, TB remains a significant public health challenge in Kenya, disproportionately affecting men. The consortium reports...

Kenya’s HIV crisis: The fear of running out of medication Mar 30, 2025

Kenya’s HIV programme has long relied on USAID support, but with the healthcare system under immense strain, the government maintains that existing st...

Revolutionising TB Diagnosis: High-tech machine delivers results in three hours Mar 29, 2025

To mark TB Awareness Week, the facility is conducting free TB testing, aiming to reach those who might otherwise go undiagnosed.

Battling TB amidst persistent challenges of stigma, poverty and gender gaps Mar 25, 2025

By transforming health pathways and addressing gender disparities, Kenya can strengthen its TB response and improve health outcomes for all.

Hidden cost of tooth pain: Why many endure toothaches instead of seeking treatment Mar 24, 2025

The prevalence of dental caries, gum disease, and dental fluorosis remains alarmingly high in Kenya, with many cases left untreated, leading to long-t...

Cannabis users face sixfold higher risk of heart disease, study warns Mar 23, 2025

With cannabis use on the rise in Kenya, public health experts stress the need for awareness campaigns and targeted interventions to mitigate its impac...

Experts urge accountability in healthcare billions to ensure Kenyans get quality services Mar 23, 2025

Beyond Kenya, experts at the conference emphasised the need for African nations to develop self-sustaining healthcare financing strategies rather than...

World Water Day: Families' daily struggle for clean water as waterborne diseases surge Mar 22, 2025

The deterioration of water treatment programs has left countless people with no choice but to consume untreated water, exposing them to a higher risk...

Explainer: How Kenyans are struggling for healthcare despite UHC promise Mar 17, 2025

In Kenya, the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) is a key component of the government's strategy to achieve UHC) aiming to provide affordable and acc...

Pharmacy and Poisons Board lifts ban on popular painkiller Mefnac Oral Suspension Mar 17, 2025

The restriction, which was initially imposed on December 11, 2024, was placed as a precautionary measure to allow for thorough investigations into the...

Kenya takes historic step in kidney transplants as KUTRRH prepares for full procedures Mar 17, 2025

Despite the growing burden of kidney disease, Kenya Tissue and Transplant Authority data shows that transplant numbers in Kenya remain significantly l...

Poor remuneration pushing Kenya's community health promoters to the edge Mar 17, 2025

CHPs are the backbone of Kenya’s primary healthcare system under Universal Health Coverage which focuses on primary health care.

Fighting for life: The struggles and hope for kidney patients in Kenya Mar 17, 2025

Currently, over 5,000 patients in Kenya rely on dialysis to survive, while nearly 5 million Kenyans are living with chronic kidney disease.

Breaking the flu cycle: The power of influenza vaccine Mar 16, 2025

Flu vaccines have been used safely for over 60 years, with annual immunisation recommended to maintain protection.

Mothers' battle for survival when diabetes complicates pregnancy Mar 15, 2025

Dr Ester Mwaura stresses that managing diabetes during pregnancy requires close monitoring to prevent complications. She urges expectant mothers to at...

Kenya's clinical officers call off nationwide strike after sealing deal with government Mar 12, 2025

The agreement was signed at Afya House in the presence of CS Barasa, Council of Governors Chairman Ahmed Abdullahi, and other key stakeholders with cl...

Desperate patients turned away as doctors' strike enters second week Mar 12, 2025

While emergency cases are still being admitted, the majority of patients are left to fend for themselves. The long queues, empty consultation rooms, a...

Living with migraines: The silent struggle of millions in Kenya Mar 11, 2025

Migraines often come with a range of symptoms, including throbbing or pulsating headaches, usually affecting one side of the head.

Defined by environment: How youth in Nairobi's Majengo struggle to stay away from drugs Mar 09, 2025

Joseph highlights the harsh realities of hunger and addiction, which are the major factors driving many young people into crime and drug abuse.

Women struggle for a better future amid economic hardships Mar 08, 2025

The National Gender and Equality Commission called on the government and stakeholders to take bold action against persistent gender inequalities.

Patients stranded as Nairobi doctors’ strike enters seventh day Mar 06, 2025

All Nairobi County doctors and clinical officers downed their tools last week, crippling public healthcare services and leaving patients in distress....

Three people dead, 37 injured in Majengo protests over police shooting Mar 05, 2025

Said Athman Kamukunji, Human rights defenders, have raised concerns over the escalating violence.

The Eastleigh Voice reporter assaulted by police while covering Majengo protest Mar 05, 2025

After being detained for several hours, the officers returned his camera and phone, but the footage he had taken of the protests had been deleted.

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