A Frontline Report on Infectious Diseases
In the heart of East Africa, a complex war against ancient and emerging diseases is unfolding—a battle that reveals both human vulnerability and resilience.
Kenya's vibrant landscapes, from bustling urban centers to sprawling savannas, conceal a constant challenge: endemic infectious diseases that shape the health of millions. Imagine a country where infectious diseases account for approximately 7 out of 10 hospital admissions annually 2 . This is the reality in Kenya, where diseases like tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS, and malaria collectively contribute to over 50% of the nation's morbidity and mortality 2 .
Hospital admissions due to infectious diseases
Morbidity and mortality from TB, HIV/AIDS, and malaria
Bacterial infections resistant to common antibiotics
Kenya faces a triple burden of infectious diseases: persistent endemic illnesses, emerging threats, and occasional outbreaks that test the healthcare system. This complex landscape stretches from urban hospitals to rural clinics, requiring equally complex solutions.
Diseases like malaria, HIV/AIDS, and tuberculosis have shaped Kenya's healthcare infrastructure for decades.
When Kenya confirmed its first clade Ib mpox case in July 2024, it triggered an intensive investigation that offers a fascinating window into modern disease detection and containment strategies.
Kenya's Ministry of Health established clear case definitions for suspected mpox cases 7 .
Suspected cases underwent PCR testing and genomic sequencing to confirm the MPXV clade 7 .
Each confirmed case triggered extensive contact tracing with exposure categorization 7 .
| Characteristic | Findings | Public Health Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Total Cases | 48 confirmed out of 447 suspected (10.7% positivity) | Demonstrates challenge of clinical diagnosis |
| Gender Distribution | 28 women (58.3%), 20 men | Challenges initial assumptions about risk groups |
| Median Age | 35.0 years | Affects economically productive age group |
| HIV Co-infection | 11 patients (22.9%) | Highlights vulnerable populations |
| Genital Lesions | 33 patients (68.7%) | Supports sexual transmission hypothesis |
Combating infectious diseases in Kenya requires a sophisticated arsenal of diagnostic tools and technologies. The country's in vitro diagnostics (IVD) market is experiencing significant growth, driven by the high incidence of infectious diseases and government initiatives 5 .
Detects pathogen genetic material with high sensitivity for diseases like mpox and COVID-19.
Provides quick, point-of-care results in resource-limited settings for HIV, malaria, and cholera.
Determines specific pathogen variants and transmission chains for outbreak tracking.
Detects antibodies or antigens for infection confirmation in tuberculosis and autoimmune conditions.
The Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) plays a pivotal role in this landscape, serving as both a research institution and a provider of diagnostic services. Reagents and kits dominate the IVD market with an 83.4% share 5 .
While the mpox outbreak captured recent attention, Kenya continues to battle other significant infectious disease threats:
As of early 2025, Kenya was strengthening its national cholera preparedness. Four counties were experiencing active outbreaks, with 256 suspected cases and 13 deaths reported, representing a case fatality rate of 5.2% that exceeds the 1% threshold 6 .
Chikungunya outbreaks were noted in the Region of the Indian Ocean, including Kenya, in September 2025. Additionally, malaria remains endemic in many parts of the country 1 .
Leptospirosis, melioidosis, and schistosomiasis present ongoing risks, particularly in areas with limited access to clean water or where flooding occurs 1 .
A growing crisis in Kenya sees over 70% of bacterial infections resistant to common antibiotics 2 . This silent pandemic complicates treatment outcomes across all infectious disease categories.
Kenya's battle against infectious diseases represents a microcosm of global health challenges—where historical pathogens and emerging threats collide, demanding robust scientific infrastructure, agile public health response, and targeted prevention strategies.
Building capacity for early detection and monitoring of disease outbreaks.
Expanding laboratory networks and point-of-care testing technologies.
Prioritizing the most vulnerable populations in immunization campaigns.
As Kenya strives to reduce its infectious disease prevalence by 2030 in line with national health goals 2 , the lessons from current outbreaks illuminate the path forward. The ongoing research, symbolized by gatherings like the 2025 Infectious Diseases Symposium 2 , continues to build the knowledge base necessary for turning the tide against these persistent threats.