Uasin Gishu County Leads TB and Hygiene Awareness Campaign in Schools
“TB is both preventable and treatable, but if ignored, it can be fatal and spread rapidly through the air via coughing or sneezing,” said Tanui.
Uasin Gishu County partners with Maseno University and KMTC to promote TB awareness, oral health, and hygiene in local schools. Photo/UG County.
By Robert Assad
The Uasin Gishu County Government, in collaboration with Maseno University and the Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC), conducted a comprehensive health education campaign on Friday aimed at promoting tuberculosis (TB) awareness, oral health, and personal hygiene in local schools.
The initiative, led by the School Health Program and Health Promotion Coordinator Alice Tanui, featured a mix of educational sessions and on-site TB screenings.
The campaign sought to equip pupils and teachers with vital knowledge on TB — a highly contagious bacterial disease that primarily affects the lungs but can also impact other organs if left untreated.
“TB is both preventable and treatable, but if ignored, it can be fatal and spread rapidly through the air via coughing or sneezing,” said Tanui.
She emphasized the importance of early detection and preventive measures, noting that schools play a crucial role in spreading awareness due to their large, interactive populations.
In addition to TB education, the campaign promoted oral hygiene practices, encouraging students to adopt proper brushing techniques and seek regular dental check-ups.
Participants were also taught the dangers of neglecting oral health, which can lead to long-term complications.
A significant part of the outreach focused on the importance of personal hygiene, particularly regular handwashing at critical times — such as before eating and after using the toilet — as a frontline defense against various infections.
The sessions were designed to be interactive, with live demonstrations and practical tips that engaged students and reinforced learning. The approach aimed to make health education both informative and enjoyable for young learners.
Teachers praised the initiative for its broad impact. “This campaign didn’t just educate; it empowered our pupils and staff. We now have a school community that is better equipped to advocate for healthy practices and disease prevention,” one teacher remarked.
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