A tuberculosis survey in Kenya.

The Government of Kenya, wanting to assess the extent of the tuberculosis problem in the Colony and Protectorate as an essential preliminary to a control programme, requested the assistance of WHO in carrying out a survey. The purpose was to establish the over-all prevalence for Kenya of tuberculous infection and pulmonary tuberculosis.From a population of about six million people, 8700 were selected at random for tuberculin testing, chest X-ray and bacteriological examination.The results of examination of this small sample indicate that among the 3.5 million Africans aged 10 years and over there are approximately 110 000 cases and suspected cases of pulmonary tuberculosis, and that 3% of the children aged 0-4 years and 13% of those aged 5-9 are infected.The problem of tuberculosis control in Kenya is undoubtedly a big one, the population being scattered over vast areas. However, the excellent co-operation of the population throughout the present survey suggests that mass control measures might meet with considerable success.