ThyroAfrica brings Free Screening closer to Communities in Nairobi: Know the Risks, Get Screened! #AD
Thyroid and Diabetes Screening Comes to Nairobi
Audio By Vocalize
The programme will include Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone (TSH) tests and Glycated Haemoglobin (HbA1c) tests for Diabetes detection.
Free screenings will be hosted by Lions SightFirst Eye Hospital, located on Kaptagat Road in Loresho, on the 12th, 13th and 14 November 2026, from 8.00 am to 4.00 pm daily.
Thyroid Disorders: An Under-Recognised Public Health Challenge in Africa
Across African countries, thyroid disorders remain largely invisible within national health priorities and broader non-communicable disease (NCD) strategies.
A lack of reliable data, limited screening and lab coverage & pricing schemes, as well as low awareness among both patients and healthcare providers, contribute to late diagnosis and poor outcomes.
So, Thyroid Disease is often identified at an advanced stage, which increases mortality, treatment costs, and the overall economic burden on families and health systems.
How ThyroAfrica is Driving Change in Thyroid Health
To close these gaps, in April 2025, Merck launched Thyro-Africa in collaboration with hospitals, laboratories, researchers and policymakers.
The initiative focuses on 3 pillars:
Improving patients’ awareness regarding thyroid disorders.
Leveraging healthcare system capacity & diagnostic excellence for primary care frontliners.
Leveraging diagnosis & testing, via collaborating with policymakers, laboratories, medical societies and patient advocacy groups, to improve access to diagnosis, testing and treatment, while strengthening the evidence base, and expanding diagnostic capacity.
What Healthcare Professionals Want You to Know:
Andrew Muga, Clinician at Lions Diabetes Care Centre, emphasises the importance of Thyroid screening, stating:
"Thyroid testing is essential because the Thyroid gland plays a vital role in regulating metabolism, and its hormones influence the function of nearly every organ in the body. Thyroid-related symptoms can often be subtle and nonspecific, overlapping with those of many other health conditions. A simple blood test can help identify an underactive or overactive Thyroid, thus enabling timely medical evaluation and appropriate management. Early detection can make a very meaningful difference."
Mary Onoka, Diabetes Nurse Educator at Lions Diabetes Care Centre, shared insights from her clinical experience on the importance of early Diabetes detection, stating:
"Diabetes screening is a simple, quick and potentially lifesaving process that helps identify people at risk, or already living with, Diabetes, before serious complications develop. It's just a finger prick. Early detection saves lives, prevents complications and promotes a healthier community. Don't wait for symptoms – get screened today!"
Free Thyroid and Diabetes Screening: An Opportunity for Early Detection in Nairobi
Thyroid Disorders and Diabetes can coexist, making awareness and appropriate assessment of both conditions important.
Recognising the relationship between Thyroid health and Diabetes, ThyroAfrica is bringing together Thyroid and Diabetes screening as part of its pilot programme in Nairobi, aiming to provide free screening to an estimated 500 people, including Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) tests and Glycated Haemoglobin (HbA1c) tests.
As part of this initiative, members of the public who have used the ThyroidAware Symptom Checker and received results indicating a high risk are encouraged to visit Lions SightFirst Eye Hospital today til Saturday 14th November 2026.
Free Screening details:
Date: Thursday 12th, Friday 13th and Saturday 14th November 2026.
Time: 8.00 am – 4.00 pm daily.
Location: Lions SightFirst Eye Hospital, Kaptagat Road, Loresho.
The initiative aims to support earlier identification of potential Thyroid and Diabetes-related health concerns, to encourage timely medical follow-up.
For more Information on Thyroid Health and Awareness
Check your symptoms now using the free, two-minute ThyroidAware Symptom Checker. Individuals whose results indicate a high risk are encouraged to find a nearby specialist for further consultation.
For additional information and updates on Thyroid health, follow ThyroAfrica on social media:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThyroAfrica
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thyro_africa/
About Merck Healthcare
As a leading Science & Technology company, with over 350 years of heritage, Merck has been committed to improving health through innovation, access models and partnerships. As part of its healthcare priorities, Merck recognised thyroid disorders as a critical challenge to address.
More: https://www.merck.com/company-overview/
Join the Discussion
Share your perspective with the Citizen Digital community.
No comments yet
This discussion is waiting for your voice. Be the first to share your thoughts!