Tuberculosis (TB) is a preventable and usually curable disease. However, despite being a preventable and curable disease, and the unwavering efforts exerted to control and eradicate the disease, Tuberculosis (TB) still remains a major global health concern, diagnosing, treating, and preventing TB still present significant challenges.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Global Tuberculosis Report 2024, a total of 1.25 million people died from tuberculosis (TB) in 2023 (including 161 000 people with HIV), an estimated 10.8 million people fell ill with TB worldwide, of which 6.0 million men, 3.6 million women and 1.3 million children.
The Report further highlights that while TB-related deaths decreased from 1.32 million in 2022 to 1.25 million in 2023, the total number of people falling ill with TB rose slightly to an estimated 10.8 million in 2023. Thus, the threat calls for urgent action to end the global TB epidemic by 2030, a goal adopted by all Member States of the United Nations and the WHO.
WHO recommended that Universal health coverage (UHC) is necessary to ensure that all people who need treatment for TB disease or infection can access such treatments. The number of people acquiring infection and developing disease (and in turn the number of deaths caused by TB) can also be reduced through multisectoral action to address TB determinants such as poverty, under nutrition, HIV infection, smoking and diabetes. Some countries have already reduced their burden of TB disease to fewer than 10 cases and less than one death per 100, 000 populations per year. Research breakthroughs are needed to rapidly reduce the global number of cases and deaths each year to the levels already achieved in these low-burden countries.
Tuberculosis was also among a major public health concerns in Ethiopia during the past years; causing high rates of infection and mortality. However, the effective move among the government and non-government organizations is bearing fruit to control TB in the country. The disease is particularly prevalent among vulnerable populations, such as those living in impoverished settings and individuals with compromised immune systems. Controlling TB requires a multi-faceted approach that addresses both the clinical and social determinants of the disease.
Regarding this, the Ethiopian government has made significant investments in TB control efforts, including the establishment of specialized treatment centers and the training of healthcare workers. These initiatives have helped to improve diagnosis and treatment rates, leading to a reduction in TB-related mortality. Additionally, the government has implemented awareness campaigns to educate the public about the signs and symptoms of TB, as well as the importance of seeking timely medical attention.
Moreover, community involvement is essential in the fight against TB, as it helps to reduce stigma and improve treatment outcomes. By engaging local communities, healthcare providers can build trust and promote understanding of TB, leading to better treatment outcomes and reduced transmission rates.
Recently, a meeting that brought together national tuberculosis program coordinators from the Southern and Eastern Africa Region, along with relevant stakeholders from across Africa was held in Addis Ababa.
The three-day event marking the inaugural Annual Meeting of the Southern and Eastern Africa Regional Network for Tuberculosis (SEARN-TB) said comes at a critical juncture in the global battle against tuberculosis (TB).
Opening the meeting officially, Ethiopian Health State Minister, Dereje Duguma (MD) underscored the importance of the SEARN-TB network in strengthening regional collaboration and aligning TB control strategies.
“With 22 nations now united, and through synergy with sister network WARN/CARN-TB in the West and Central African region, we are dismantling borders to build a TB-free sub-Saharan Africa.”
He emphasized the network’s crucial role in supporting operational research, which is essential for developing evidence-based approaches to TB prevention, control, and care.
The State Minister stressed the significance of sharing experiences and best practices among member countries, highlighting that this collective effort is key to eliminating TB across Africa and beyond. He expressed confidence that the network will amplify Africa’s voice in the global TB response.
“This network represents a commitment to harmonize strategies, share innovations, and ensure Africa’s voice is heard globally in the fight against TB,” the State Minister added.
He acknowledged that SEARN-TB’s progress since it was launched in 2023, particularly the support from key partners. While recognizing achievements in TB control, he also pointed to ongoing challenges, including conflicts, migration, climate change, funding uncertainties, and the continued need for advancements in TB treatment research.
He urged member countries to renew their commitment to self-sufficiency by boosting domestic resource mobilization and ensuring the efficient use of available funds. He also emphasized the importance of public-private partnerships, engaging civil society organizations, and leveraging global health funding to maximize impact.
Moreover, the State Minister called upon participants to focus on three main areas during the discussions: sharing experiences and celebrating successes, fostering cross-border collaboration, and reviewing the network’s progress while planning its future direction.
He highlighted Ethiopia’s success in transitioning out of the high-burden category for Multi-Drug Resistant TB (MDR-TB) as an example of progress despite ongoing challenges.
Furthermore, he stressed the importance of regional collaboration to effectively address the cross-border nature of TB transmission.
The State Minister reaffirmed Ethiopia’s commitment to the fight against TB and expressed confidence that the collaborative efforts within the SEARN-TB network will accelerate the implementation of effective TB policies and strategies.
He also underscored the network’s significant contribution to the 2023 UN High-Level Meeting on TB and its role in driving innovation in TB diagnostics and treatment.
What is more, Ethiopia has shared its experiences in the efforts of controlling and eradicating TB. Ethiopia has made significant strides in reducing the burden of TB. However, continued efforts are needed to ensure that TB continues to be a priority in the country’s public health agenda.
In sum, controlling TB in Ethiopia requires a multi-sectoral approach that addresses the social, economic, and clinical determinants of the disease. By investing in healthcare infrastructure, raising public awareness, as well as engaging local communities, Ethiopia can meaningfully control the impact of TB.
Over three days, participants shared and discussed the main challenges faced by their respective programs, heard updates on the latest global guidelines from WHO colleagues at the Global TB Program shared progress on local implementation research initiatives and were introduced to the most recent TDR-developed IR tools for evaluating TB focused social protection schemes, using digital technologies and treatment decision algorithms for children with suspected TB.
The Eastern Africa Regional Network for Tuberculosis (SEARN-TB) is a regional network established in 2023 to support TB control in Southern and East Africa, with the support of TDR.
The network’s primary goal is to foster collaboration and information exchange among National TB Programs across the region, with a focus on addressing the specific TB epidemiological context, challenges, and priorities of each country. This approach seeks to make a meaningful impact on TB control efforts in Southern and East Africa through joint initiatives and partnerships, ultimately; improving health outcomes in the region and beyond, it was learnt.
BY TEWODROS KASSA
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD TUESDAY 11 MARCH
