Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Mr. Gaye TheVoice
Published on 2024-03-25 07:38:07
On Sunday, 24th March, the National Leprosy and Tuberculosis Program (NLTP) of the Ministry of Health, in collaboration with WHO and other stakeholders, commemorated World TB Day at the Farato Health Center in the West Coast Region. This event aimed to raise awareness about the global health threats posed by tuberculosis and acknowledge the collective efforts of all parties involved in combating the disease.
The theme for this year’s celebration was “Yes! We can end TB,” and it brought together various health officials, experts, and members of the WHO. Dr. Momodou T Nyassi, Deputy Director of Health Service, represented the Honourable Minister of Health, Dr. Ahamadou Lamin Samateh, and highlighted the ongoing fight against tuberculosis. He emphasized that TB has been a significant public health challenge globally, causing immense suffering and claiming millions of lives over the years.
Despite global efforts to reduce TB incidence, progress has been slow, with the Gambia experiencing a slight reduction in TB cases from 2021 to 2022. In 2023, the country recorded 2,792 TB cases, showcasing improvements in treatment coverage and successful patient outcomes. The government of The Gambia provides free diagnosis and treatment for TB to all, regardless of nationality, and ensures there is no shortage of anti-TB drugs in the country.
Mr. Alpha Khan, Deputy Director of the National AIDS Secretariat (NAS), emphasized the importance of addressing the intersection between TB and HIV, as TB remains the leading cause of death among people living with HIV. He highlighted the need for a comprehensive approach that considers social determinants of health and promotes equity in healthcare access.
Dr. Momodou Gassama, WHO Health Promoter Specialist, reiterated the WHO’s commitment to ending TB in the African region. He emphasized the importance of strategic direction, monitoring tools, and collaboration with member states to achieve the goals set out in the End TB Strategy. Additionally, Mr. Wandifa Samateh, Program Coordinator, emphasized the Ministry of Health’s dedication to providing comprehensive TB services and highlighted key initiatives aimed at accelerating efforts to end TB.
Various speakers, including Dr. Abdou K Sillah and Alkalo of Farato Saikou BM Njie, delivered impactful speeches at the event, underscoring the importance of continued collaboration and innovation in the fight against TB. Overall, the World TB Day commemoration served as a reminder of the ongoing challenges posed by tuberculosis and the collective responsibility of stakeholders to work towards its eradication.
Read the original article on The Voice Gambia
