Respiratory infections—including tuberculosis (TB), COVID-19, and pneumonia—are major causes of illness and death in Western Kenya, particularly since it is an underserved rural community. These diseases affect both adults and children, with the burden amplified by HIV co-infection, poor access to timely diagnosis, and limited infrastructure for critical care and follow-up.

What We Do

Tuberculosis (TB) Diagnosis & Trials

Tuberculosis remains a leading infectious disease in Western Kenya, particularly among individuals living with HIV. Diagnosing TB in children is especially difficult, as symptoms can mimic other common illnesses, and confirmatory tests are less reliable in pediatric populations.

• We conduct clinical trials in adults and children, both with and without HIV, to evaluate and improve TB diagnostic strategies.

• We work with local hospitals to enhance diagnostic capacity, train providers on symptom screening, and strengthen referral pathways.

• We support household contact tracing and education to reduce community spread and improve early detection.

COVID-19 Clinical Response & Training

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. DJ Perkins led a rapid, science-informed response in Siaya.

• Dr. Perkins traveled from the U.S. to Kenya at the height of the pandemic, applying clinical protocols and lessons learned from treating hospitalized patients at the University of New Mexico.

• We collaborated with the Ministry of Health in Kenya to establish the Western Regional COVID-19 Care and Treatment Unit at Siaya County Referral Hospital.

• We supported the rollout of infection control measures, oxygen therapy training, and data-driven patient triage systems.

Our work ensured that even rural communities could access critical care strategies at a time when they were most needed.

Pediatric Pneumonia Care & Support

Pneumonia remains a top killer of children under five in Kenya—especially those who are malnourished or not fully vaccinated.

• We train Medical Staff and Community Health Workers to recognize early signs of respiratory distress in children and refer urgent cases to our clinical care.

• We support access to antibiotics and oxygen therapy and reinforce vaccination education to prevent pneumococcal and Hib-related pneumonia.

• We educate caregivers on danger signs, home care practices, and follow-up care to reduce complications and prevent recurrence.

Why It Matters

Respiratory infections are often silent threats—delayed diagnosis and lack of specialized care led to preventable deaths, especially among children and people living with HIV. Our organization addresses these gaps through community-based screening, hospital-level clinical support, and global research collaborations to strengthen diagnostics, care, and outcomes.

From running TB trials to establishing a regional COVID-19 treatment unit and improving pneumonia care for children, we continue to bring science, compassion, and training where they are most needed.

“When every breath counts, access to diagnosis and care can mean the difference between life and loss.”

— Dr. DJ Perkins, Founder and Chair

Call to Action