Author: Charity Kilei

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.

Trapped by rains: Nairobi’s flood victims face another season of uncertainty Mar 03, 2025

Informal settlements along riparian land in Nairobi experienced some of the worst devastation during last year’s floods.

Weight loss hype: The dangerous myths Kenyans are falling for Mar 02, 2025

Perhaps the most controversial trend is the rise in diabetes drugs like Ozempic and Mounjaro being flaunted as weight loss miracles.

Overlooked early symptoms and the devastating impact of pneumonia on children Feb 28, 2025

Strengthening these preventive and treatment measures remains crucial in reducing the devastating impact of pneumonia on children in Kenya and across...

Kala-azar: The neglected scourge threatening Kenya's arid regions Feb 28, 2025

Despite efforts to control it, challenges like poor healthcare access, poverty, malnutrition, and displacement continue to fuel its spread.

Growing concerns on Kenya's preparedness amid pandemic fears Feb 27, 2025

Years of mismanagement, corruption, and financial instability have left the healthcare system fragile hospitals remain underfunded, patients struggle...

State adopts new guidelines to address rural private hospitals' concerns on SHIF payments Feb 26, 2025

These include clear accreditation guidelines, a standardised claims submission process, and a digital tracking system to streamline payments.

Kenya launches second phase of mass polio vaccination to curb outbreak Feb 21, 2025

The move follows the detection of a polio case near the Kenya-Ethiopia border in October 2024, prompting urgent measures to prevent further spread.

Nairobi County steps up fight against drug abuse with new reforms Feb 20, 2025

To address this crisis, the county is implementing robust interventions, including reviewing legal frameworks to ensure liquor outlets are restricted...

DCI warns drug abuse is new face of terrorism as clandestine labs emerge Feb 20, 2025

The DCI has urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious structures that may be used as drug laboratories.

Uncontrolled bush meat consumption among factors fuelling zoonotic disease outbreaks Feb 20, 2025

Over the past decade, mpox, Marburg, and Ebola have collectively claimed tens of thousands of lives and cost billions of dollars in containment and mi...

Health Ministry introduces graphic warnings for emerging tobacco products Feb 19, 2025

The initiative aims to educate consumers on the dangers of products like e-cigarettes and heated tobacco, which have gained traction, particularly amo...

The silent threat: Why Kenyan men avoid prostate cancer screening Feb 16, 2025

Prostate cancer is a disease in which abnormal cells grow in the prostate, a small gland in men that helps produce semen. It is one of the most common...

Single-dose HPV vaccine beneficial for children between 9 and 14 years Feb 15, 2025

Since the introduction of the vaccine in 2019, health officials have faced challenges in tracking down girls for the second dose, often leading to inc...

Trapped in isolation: The silent battle of Kenya’s young cancer patients Feb 15, 2025

In Kenya, childhood cancer accounts for 80 per cent of young lives, mostly due to late diagnosis and the crushing cost of treatment.

Ruto urges African leaders to fulfil Abuja Declaration on healthcare funding Feb 14, 2025

Ruto warned that budgetary commitments alone are not enough, stressing the need for efficient allocation, transparency, and accountability in healthca...

Kenya's Mpox cases rise to 41 as viral haemorrhagic fevers spread across East Africa Feb 14, 2025

The disease has spread across 12 counties, with cases reported in Nakuru (10), Mombasa (8), Busia (7), Nairobi (2), Kajiado (2), Bungoma (2), Taita Ta...

Unresolved SHIF challenges leave Kenyans frustrated as system failures hinder access to healthcare services Feb 13, 2025

A major point of contention is the new scientific means-testing system, which determines individual contributions based on 2.75 per cent of a person’s...

Health Ministry calls for strict enforcement of shisha ban amid rising healthcare burden Feb 12, 2025

Health Cabinet Secretary Deborah Barasa echoed these concerns, highlighting the devastating impact of drug abuse on young people.

Kenya heightens vigilance on cross-border movements as Uganda reports nine Ebola cases Feb 12, 2025

Screenings have been intensified at major border crossings, including Busia, Malaba, and Suam, as well as at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.

Trapped by seizures: The silent struggle of living with epilepsy Feb 10, 2025

Many people still struggle to understand epilepsy, with some reacting in fear choosing to avoid or even run away from those experiencing seizures.

Eastleigh’s BBS Mall unveils Africa’s largest gold souk in grand ceremony Feb 08, 2025

Joho assured the business community of the government’s support for the mining sector, encouraging investment in legal gold mining.

UNICEF raises alarm over rising cases of FGM perpetrated by health professionals Feb 08, 2025

Alternative rite of passage programmes are gaining traction as a culturally sensitive way to replace FGM with safer and more empowering practices.

Property worth millions destroyed in Eastleigh tyre shop fire Feb 07, 2025

Kamukunji Member of Parliament Yusuf Hassan urged the county government to investigate the root causes of the fires, including faulty gas cylinders an...

Crackdown on unlicensed cosmetic clinics as Health Ministry enforces safety measures Feb 07, 2025

The investigation was launched after the tragic death of a patient at Omnicare Medical Limited, raising concerns over compliance with licensing and sa...

Kenya to integrate HIV, TB, malaria treatment into mainstream healthcare Feb 05, 2025

The Ministry of Health is gradually increasing domestic healthcare financing to ensure uninterrupted access to these life-saving services, even as don...

The rising threat of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis in Kenya Feb 03, 2025

Kenya is among the 30 high-burden TB countries worldwide, highlighting the severity of the disease in the region.

Man's emotional, financial pain of caring for wife battling cancer, then losing her Feb 02, 2025

Cervical cancer claims the lives of nine women in Kenya every day, tightening its grip as a silent but deadly threat.

Ending the neglect: Kenya's fight against tropical diseases Jan 31, 2025

Illnesses such as sleeping sickness, rabies, leprosy, and guinea worm disease continue to affect more than one billion people around the world, especi...

Ebola, Marburg viruses outbreak in East Africa poses threat to Kenya's health system Jan 31, 2025

Uganda this week confirmed an outbreak of the Ebola virus in the capital Kampala with the first confirmed patient dying from it.

Kitui Village residents urge urgent action as rains delay ongoing road construction Jan 31, 2025

The recent downpour flooded homes, soaking bedding and belongings, and preventing children from sleeping or attending school.

Study shows frequent marijuana use may impair key memory skills, affect job performance Jan 30, 2025

Cannabis remains one of the most commonly used illicit substances worldwide, with approximately 147 million people — about 2.5 per cent of the global...

Cervical cancer: Why most women are missing out on HPV vaccine Jan 26, 2025

Kenya ranks among the top 20 countries with the highest burden of cervical cancer, with about 5,845 new cases and 3,591 deaths annually.

Kenya’s battle against cervical cancer: A preventable yet deadly challenge Jan 24, 2025

Despite advancements in global cancer treatment and prevention, cervical cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women in Keny...

MoH teams up with long distance truck drivers to fight Mpox, Marburg viruses Jan 24, 2025

Testing at the national referral laboratory, which has processed 386 samples from various counties, revealed 36 positive cases.

Mpox vaccine not mandatory but a priority for high-risk groups, says Health ministry Jan 23, 2025

The vaccination programme will be rolled out in three phases, informed by epidemiological data and the risk levels of specific groups.

Mpox cases rise to 36 across Kenya as Nakuru County emerges as hotspot Jan 23, 2025

To further strengthen its response, the government will roll out vaccination programmes in high-risk areas and enhance contact tracing efforts.

Ministry of Health warns public on Marburg Virus risks amid regional outbreak Jan 22, 2025

Symptoms include severe cramping, bleeding after 5-6 days, and, in untreated cases, death within 9-10 days.

Kenya's health programmes at risk as US pulls out of WHO Jan 22, 2025

The US exit from the WHO is expected to reduce the organization's funding by approximately 18%, which could impact various WHO-led initiatives in Keny...

Kenya receives 9.3 million vaccine doses to boost BCG and measles immunisation efforts Jan 22, 2025

Nine regional depots across the country, including Nairobi, have already received the BCG vaccines from the central vaccine store in Kitengela.

The hidden toll on mental well-being of individuals struggling with anxiety Jan 22, 2025

Many people spend a significant portion of their time at work, and toxic work environments are increasingly becoming a major contributor to mental hea...

Mothers on the brink: Challenges of feeding babies born with cleft lips Jan 18, 2025

The heartbreak only grew when her baby struggled to feed—a simple act every mother cherishes. The realisation that she had to express milk manually wa...

Pharmacy and Poisons Board intensifies crack down on unregistered pharmaceuticals Jan 18, 2025

In particular, the Board has flagged products listed under Indian Pharmacopoeia, warning that they do not meet the country’s drug registration require...

Rethinking obesity: A call for a more accurate diagnosis, prevention approach Jan 16, 2025

According to the World Health Organization, 2.5 billion adults (aged 18 and older) were overweight in 2022, with 890 million of them living with obesi...

Kenya to receive 2.34 million BCG vaccine doses before end of January, Health Director-General Amoth says Jan 16, 2025

Health DG Dr Patrick Amoth reassured the public that delays in vaccine delivery from Gavi had been resolved.

State admits SHA system challenges as angry patients storm MoH press briefing Jan 15, 2025

Angry patients, some with infants, stormed Health CS Deborah Barasa's Afya House media briefing protesting the Social Health Insurance Fund system gli...

One glass of milk a day could help prevent bowel cancer - study Jan 12, 2025

Sources such as milk, yoghurt, vegetables, and even calcium in tea and coffee were found beneficial.

Study shows drinking coffee in the morning linked to lower cardiovascular risk Jan 12, 2025

Both moderate (two to three cups) and heavy (more than three cups) morning coffee drinkers benefited from these health advantages.

Kenya on high alert as cases of human metapneumovirus spreads globally Jan 12, 2025

Although no cases have been reported locally, health experts warn of the virus's possible entry due to global trade and movement, drawing parallels wi...

Drug shortages and struggle for health equity: Kenya's uphill battle to actualise Universal Health Coverage Jan 11, 2025

As a cornerstone of Kenya's Vision 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals, UHC is driven by the principles of equity, quality, and financial prote...

Uncorking the truth: US Surgeon General warns of alcohol’s hidden cancer risks Jan 05, 2025

Cancer ranks as the third leading cause of death in Kenya, representing a significant public health challenge that heavily impacts families, communiti...

Poor handling of food in roadside eateries raises concerns about foodborne illnesses Jan 05, 2025

Food poisoning is becoming an increasing concern in Kenya, largely due to poor food handling in roadside eateries and contaminated water.

SHIF dilemma for parents grappling with limited benefits, high costs as children return to school Jan 05, 2025

Under SHIF, primary healthcare services — including consultations, diagnostics, and treatments—are restricted.

Confusion and concerns persist as Kenyans struggle with new social health insurance scheme Jan 04, 2025

While the government has maintained that SHIF is functioning effectively, many Kenyans are still frustrated and eager for the system's issues to be ad...

Second study links Ozempic diabetes drug to doubled risk of rare eye condition Jan 03, 2025

Experts warn that the drug may cause a sudden loss of blood flow to the optic nerve, potentially leading to severe and irreversible vision loss.

Shortage of critical BCG vaccine puts children in Kenya at risk of getting TB Jan 02, 2025

The BCG vaccine, one of the oldest immunisations still in use globally, is a cornerstone of childhood vaccination programmes.

New SHA policy places financial burden on parents of teen mothers Jan 01, 2025

Linda Mama programme has been instrumental in reducing maternal and infant mortality by providing free delivery services.

Excessive salt consumption linked to rising cases of hypertension in Kenya Dec 31, 2024

High salt consumption is linked to 30 per cent of hypertension cases and related diseases, contributing to 1.65 million deaths annually due to cardiov...

Kenya reports two new mpox cases bringing confirmed total to 31 Dec 30, 2024

Efforts to educate the public on mpox prevention and control are ongoing, focusing on community engagement.

Diabetes crisis: Why eating after 5pm could harm glucose metabolism Dec 30, 2024

Participants who consumed a significant portion of their calories after 5 pm had higher blood glucose levels during oral glucose tolerance tests, indi...

New research suggests vigorous four-minute exercise can boost heart health Dec 29, 2024

Physical activity supports bone health, fosters healthy muscle growth and development, and improves motor and cognitive skills in children and adolesc...

Breakthrough study: Self-administered HPV tests enhance cervical cancer screening Dec 28, 2024

A key advantage of this method is its efficiency; risk assessment can be performed immediately after the HPV self-test without requiring additional la...

Rising threat of noncommunicable diseases and how healthy lifestyles can save lives Dec 27, 2024

The growing epidemic of NCDs has severe health impacts on individuals, families, and communities, while also placing immense pressure on healthcare sy...

How WASH Programmes can reduce AMR, curb antibiotic overuse Dec 26, 2024

In Nairobi, waste management and the clearing of stagnant water, such as in the Nairobi River, remain a distant goal.

Mpox outbreak: A wake-up call for Kenya's, Africa's healthcare infrastructure Dec 23, 2024

Africa's reliance on foreign aid for healthcare and preparedness continues to weaken its ability to respond effectively to health crises.

Waste, industrial effluent continue to choke Nairobi River despite clean-up efforts Dec 22, 2024

Many dump their rubbish into open sewers that eventually flow into the Nairobi River, while others burn their waste or throw it directly into the rive...

Childhood in Shadows: Growing up with HIV and a world that doesn't understand Dec 21, 2024

Joy contracted HIV from her mother, and her childhood was marked by frequent hospital visits and seminars that painfully underscored her condition.

Sleep apnea: The silent threat to brain health and cognitive brain function Dec 20, 2024

Addressing lifestyle factors, using medical devices, or opting for surgical interventions can help manage the disorder and improve overall health.

Rwanda declared Marburg-free after successful containment of deadly virus Dec 20, 2024

The successful containment of the virus highlights Rwanda’s commitment to building resilient health systems and preparing for future public health eme...

Chikungunya: Rising threat in Africa amid climate change and poor sanitation Dec 19, 2024

Chikungunya is a mosquito-borne viral disease that causes fever, severe joint pain, and sometimes rash and muscle pain.

Research shows most GBV offenders are known to victims; communities often shield them Dec 16, 2024

GBV victims are often blamed for their circumstances, with some people holding the belief that women are responsible for their abuse based on the clot...

How unregulated tobacco products in Kenya are posing serious public health threat Dec 15, 2024

According to The Lancet, more than 300 million people worldwide use smokeless tobacco products. 

How culture of silence fuels gender-based violence in Kenya Dec 12, 2024

The UN’s 2023 Femicide report highlights a significant rise in the number of women and girls killed by close relatives, with Africa recording the high...

The growing threat of smokeless tobacco: Health risks and rising usage Dec 10, 2024

Data reveals that 14.5 per cent of secondary school students and 6.0 per cent of primary school pupils in Kenya have used tobacco at some point in the...

Relapse battle, strained family relationships pushing drug addicts to the streets Dec 08, 2024

Daisy Khaindi, a counselling psychologist, says that men often struggle more with coping under pressure, and some turn to substance abuse and drugs as...

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