Residents of Ngomongo Village in Kimumu Ward, Moiben Sub-County, on Tuesday benefited from free digital tuberculosis (TB) X-ray services and a lung health outreach jointly organized by the County Government of Uasin Gishu and Neighbours in Action.
The initiative brought modern diagnostic services closer to the community through the use of digital X-ray technology.
The outreach, led by County TB Coordinator Charles Makwila, aimed to accelerate early detection of TB and other lung conditions while strengthening community awareness on the prevention and treatment of respiratory diseases.
Speaking during the exercise, Mr. Makwila emphasized that digital X-ray screening enhances early diagnosis, reduces delays in treatment, and improves patient outcomes, particularly among high-risk populations.
Residents received on-site lung screening using the digital X-ray unit, alongside health education sessions focusing on recognizing TB symptoms such as persistent cough, fever, night sweats, and unexplained weight loss. Community members were urged to seek medical attention early and to complete treatment as prescribed.
Mr. Makwila noted that TB remains a major public health concern but is both preventable and curable. He added that community-based outreach programs play a critical role in breaking transmission chains and addressing stigma, which often prevents people from accessing health services.
The outreach also highlighted broader lung health issues, including the dangers of smoking and exposure to indoor air pollution. Residents were encouraged to adopt healthier practices to safeguard their respiratory health.
Individuals found with TB-related symptoms during the screening were advised to submit sputum samples and were referred to Uasin Gishu County Hospital, with transport facilitated by a rider, for further evaluation, testing, and treatment at no cost.
The Ngomongo exercise forms part of ongoing county efforts to scale up TB case detection, improve access to quality diagnostic services, and bring healthcare closer to communities in line with national TB control strategies.
