Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Kazeem Biriowo
Published on 2024-03-24 18:37:33
Despite progress in reducing deaths from tuberculosis, the World Health Organization (WHO) reports that the 2025 target set out in the End TB Strategy is still out of reach. Despite a 23% decrease in TB incidence, the organization falls short of the goal of a 50% reduction by 2025, underscoring the need for sustained and intensified efforts to achieve these ambitious targets.
Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, the WHO African Region Director, emphasized the challenges that continue to impede progress in the fight against TB, such as delayed diagnosis, limited access to new tools and technologies, and the ongoing threat of multi-drug-resistant TB. She called for continued vigilance and sustained efforts to address these challenges, urging stakeholders to join WHO in providing resources, enhancing community engagement, conducting research, and forming partnerships with the private sector.
Moeti stressed the importance of a multi-faceted approach that not only focuses on prevention, diagnosis, and treatment but also addresses the root causes of the disease. She called for a commitment to strengthening health systems, ensuring equitable access to TB care, and scaling up innovative interventions. Investing in research and developing new tools, including vaccines and diagnostics, is crucial to accelerating progress in tackling TB.
The WHO African Region has been actively supporting member states in their fight against TB by setting strategic directions, developing monitoring tools like the African TB scorecard, and ensuring progress towards the End TB Strategy. The organization also plays a key role in generating and sharing knowledge on effective TB control methods, updating treatment guidelines, and expanding access to rapid diagnostic tools.
Moeti highlighted the progress made in addressing childhood TB since the 2022 WHO Regional Committee for Africa, where pediatric TB was prioritized. She emphasized the need for collective action and sustained efforts to combat the ongoing TB epidemic, underlining the importance of regional cooperation and knowledge exchange to eliminate TB as a public health threat in Africa.
In celebrating milestones such as diagnosing 70% of TB patients in the WHO African Region, Moeti noted significant reductions in missed cases and progress towards the goal. Achievements from 2015 to 2022, including a 38% reduction in TB deaths and a 23% reduction in new TB cases, demonstrate the effectiveness of strategies implemented and the renewed commitment from countries.
In conclusion, while progress has been made in the fight against tuberculosis, there is still work to be done to reach the targets set out in the End TB Strategy. Continued efforts, investment in research, and collaboration across sectors and borders are essential to eliminate TB as a public health threat in Africa and achieve sustainable outcomes.
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