By Yunus S Saliu
The National Leprosy and Tuberculosis Programme (NLTP) of the Ministry of Health in collaboration with WHO and stakeholders on Sunday, 24th March commemorated the World TB Day at the Farato Health Center, West Coast Region (WCR).
The theme for this year’s celebration was Yes! We can end TB and the event brought together different health officials, experts, and members of the WHO among others.
Dr. Momodou T Nyassi, Deputy Director of Health Service, speaking on behalf of Honourable Minister of Health, Doctor Ahamadou Lamin Samateh said World Tuberculosis Day is a day set aside to remind people about the global health threats presented by tuberculosis and to recognize the collective efforts of all stakeholders in the fight against it.
He noted that for ages, tuberculosis has caused suffering to societies, taking millions of lives and causing unimaginable pain to families and communities around the globe.
“TB remains a disease of great public health importance globally and The Gambia is no exception. In low-income countries, TB is the 8th leading cause of death and the second leading infectious killer after COVID-19 – above HIV/AIDS,” he noted.
He noted that annually, an estimated 10 million people fall ill with TB, and “a total of 1.3 million people died from TB in 2022. Globally, TB incidence is falling at about 2% per year and between 2015 and 2022 the cumulative reduction was 8.7%. This is far from the WHO End TB target of 50% by 2025.”
He disclosed that the Gambia has equally registered significant milestones in reducing TB incidence, from 149 per 100,000 in 2021 to 145 per 100,000 population in 2022.
In 2023, he stated, The Gambia registered 2,792 TB cases, this is a significant improvement in TB treatment coverage from 64% in 2022 to 70% in 2023, and 86% of the notified TB patients were successfully treated in 2022.
According to him, in The Gambia, diagnosis and treatment of TB are provided free of charge to all irrespective of nationality and there has never been a stock-out of anti-TB drugs in the country.
“The government of The Gambia through the Ministry of Health is also providing nutritional support to all childhood TB cases, TB patients co-infected with HIV, and drug-resistant TB patients.
On behalf of the government of The Gambia, he thanked all healthcare workers and their partners – Global Fund, WHO, MRC, Civil Society, and the private sector for their persistent support in the fight against TB in The Gambia.
Mr Alpha Khan, Deputy Director of NAS, said his office, as officials of the national response to HIV/AIDS stands by the TB programme with a sense of urgency and determination as tuberculosis remains the leading cause of death among people living with HIV.
He urged everyone to recognize the disproportionate impact of TB on marginalized communities, including people living with HIV, prisoners, migrants, and individuals living in overcrowded and unsanitary conditions. Saying, TB requires a multifaceted approach that addresses social determinants of health, promotes equity, and ensures access to quality healthcare for all.
Dr Momodou Gassama, WHO Health Promoter Specialist, on behalf of Dr Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa disclosed that the 72nd session of the WHO Regional Committee for Africa in Lome, Togo, in 2022 ignited a powerful movement toward ending tuberculosis (TB).
He said the WHO African Region supports their member states’ fight against TB in Africa by setting strategic directions, developing monitoring tools, like the African TB scorecard with the African Union, and ensuring progress towards the End TB Strategy.
Mr Wandifa Samateh, Program Coordinator expressed that TB remains a pressing public health concern worldwide and The Gambia is no exception. While saying the MOH remains steadfast in its commitment to providing comprehensive TB services to all individuals, irrespective of nationality, and socio-economic status.
He said the Ministry’s efforts to enhance TB services through the expansion sites, establishment of biosafety level 3 laboratories, and the strategic deployment of GeneXpermachines exemplify, “our commitment to innovation and excellence in TB accelerate efforts to end TB.”
Dr. Abdou K Sillah, Research Clinician TB Research Platform at MRCG Unit, The Gambia, Alkalo of Farato Saikou BM Njieamong others made remarkable speeches at the event.