To many, HIV and Aids stands as the most dreaded disease.A cure has not been discovered despite researches in different parts of the world.

But a new threat, the Multi-drug-Resistant Tuberculosis (MDR-TB) has emerged and doctors term it a sitting time bomb.

This increase in TB has been caused by suppression of the body’s immune system by HIV, allowing it to occur as an opportunistic infection.

Between 2003 and October, Kenya has recorded 401 cases of MDR-TB and one case of extensively drug resistant tuberculosis (XDR-TB).

Incidentally, of the 401 cases, the Government has put 82 cases on treatment, with fears those suffering from the disease could be higher.

MDR-TB patients are supposed to be isolated during treatment, but this is not the case as they move around carrying the deadly bacteria.

Head of TB, leprosy and lung diseases in the Ministry of Public Health Joseph Sitienei says cases of MDR-TB were worrying.

Dr Sitenei says the Government has started mapping to establish where the patients are, adding they have found 100 patients.

"We don’t know where the rest are," admits the doctor.

According to him, 80 per cent of MDR-TB patients are aged between 15-34, with the majority being men.

The worry is that the 300 cases, which could be anywhere, are a threat to their families and those living close to them.

"The challenge is the high cost of treating the patients as the Government cannot cater for them," Sitenei says. This is compounded by lack of infrastructure. There is only one laboratory in the country, the Central Reference Laboratory.

Risk allowance

In the latest incident, three cases of MDR-TB have been diagnosed in North Rift, bringing to nine the number of such patients in the region.

Rift Valley Provincial TB and leprosy co-ordinator Evans Kiprotich says the cases were diagnosed last month.

"We don’t get risk allowance despite the risky work we do," says a cough monitor who declined to be named.

Mr Paul Wachira (not his real name), who was diagnosed with MDR-TB in 2007.

Wachira says his efforts to get treatment from Government facilities failed with the medics telling him drugs were not available.

His life was saved by MÈdecins Sans FrontiËres, who came to his rescue after four months. They put him on medication for two years.

Wachira, who has since healed, understands the challenges facing MDR-TB patients.