Health experts from Kenya and Tanzania have raised growing concerns over persistent challenges undermining the management of tuberculosis (TB) in cross-border regions. These challenges, they noted, threaten to reverse gains made in combating the disease and continue to fuel complications, including preventable deaths.
One of the key concerns highlighted is the frequent disappearance of patients midway through treatment. Individuals often seek medical services but fail to complete the prescribed regimen, choosing instead to move across the border. Many resurface later with severe complications or, in some cases, do not survive. Family secrecy further complicates the issue, with some relatives hiding patients to avoid stigma or due to cultural beliefs, making it difficult for health teams to trace and monitor them effectively.
Another challenge lies in the inconsistent identification of patients. Some individuals use different names when crossing borders, making it nearly impossible to maintain reliable medical records. The lack of integrated health data systems between Kenya and Tanzania exacerbates this problem, delaying follow-ups and continuity of care.
Restrictive border policies and bureaucratic procedures were also cited as major obstacles. Treatment defaulting is often linked to administrative red tape, where mobile populations such as cross-border traders and miners face difficulties accessing uninterrupted medication. In high-risk environments like small-scale mining and tobacco-growing regions, TB and HIV co-infections are prevalent, leaving populations even more vulnerable.
Despite the challenges, progress has been made in improving access to medical supplies and expanding awareness campaigns. However, experts warn that unless mobility and stigma issues are adequately addressed, efforts to eliminate TB will continue to face setbacks.
Stakeholders emphasized the need for joint solutions, including the creation of shared patient registries, cross-border health protocols, and stronger community awareness drives. Streamlined processes involving both immigration and local government authorities were also recommended to minimize administrative barriers that hinder treatment adherence.
Community health promoters stressed the importance of breaking stigma through education, while clinicians called for innovative approaches to ensure that patients receive seamless care regardless of border restrictions. By harmonizing policies and data systems, the two countries could significantly enhance their fight against TB and reduce mortality associated with treatment interruptions.
The meeting concluded with a call for sustained collaboration between health officials, local administrators, immigration authorities, and community leaders to build a coordinated response that secures continuity of care for patients living in border regions.
