Tuberculosis (TB) is a bacterial infection that primarily affects the lungs. It is airborne when an infected person coughs or sneezes and can be fatal if left untreated. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), tuberculosis is one of the top ten causes of death worldwide, and Africa bears a significant burden of disease
One of the biggest challenges in the fight against TB in Africa is the lack of access to medicines, as many people in the region cannot afford the medicines to treat the disease. This leads to high dropout rates and drug resistance, making recovery more difficult and increasing treatment costs.
However, there have been some successes in the fight against tuberculosis in Africa.
In 2020, the WHO announced that 12 African countries had met the global target of reducing TB deaths by 20% compared to 2015. These countries included Algeria, Angola, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Ghana, Madagascar, Mozambique, Nigeria, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia.
South Africa, which has the highest TB burden in Africa. The country has made significant strides in treating tuberculosis, and improved diagnosis and treatment methods have led to a reduction in tuberculosis-related deaths. In addition, initiatives such as the Tuberculosis Mapping Program in Africa (TMAP) are helping improve TB control in high-burden countries by mapping the areas most affected by TB and delivering targeted interventions.
In Ethiopia, the national TB control program has been expanded to improve diagnosis and treatment coverage, with a particular focus on TB-HIV co-infection.
While Nigeria has implemented a local TB care program that has improved detection and treatment of TB cases, particularly among vulnerable populations.
These achievements were made possible by a combination of factors, including improved access to medicines, better diagnostic and treatment services, and increased funding for TB programs. In addition, some African countries have adopted innovative approaches to TB treatment, such as B. community care and mobile clinics that have helped reach people in remote and underserved areas.
On this World Tuberculosis Day, it is important for us to reflect on the progress made so far,
and to renew our commitment to ending tuberculosis in Africa.
Through continued effort and collaboration, tuberculosis can be eradicated and a healthier future ensured for all