Health experts call for swift TB action

HEALTH experts said this week the government must urgently channel resources towards the fight against tuberculosis, as infections remain high.

Zimbabwe joined the rest of the globe to mark World TB Day on Sunday.

It was commemorated under the theme “YES! We Can End TB’'.

Itai Rusike, director at Community Working Group on Health, said Zimbabwe records around 21 000 new cases of TB annually, with 3,1% of these being drug resistant (DR).

The number of new cases were estimated at about 16 300 in 2021.

Experts said TB claimed the lives of 1,3 million people worldwide in 2022.

In Zimbabwe, TB kills close to 6 300 people annually, which is an increase from 4 600 deaths in 2019.

It is the third leading cause in Zimbabwe, according to statistics.“this is unacceptable,” of death official Rusike said.

“We know how to end TB. We have the lifesaving tools to prevent, diagnose and treat TB. But we must break down the barriers and inequities that cause millions of people to suffer and die from TB every year.

“We note the growing epidemic of DRTB, affecting mainly poor and vulnerable populations in our country and we call upon our government to take necessary steps to address and strengthen the health systems, by investing resources to prevent transmission.

“They must expand access to early diagnosis and effective treatment for all forms of TB,” he said.

Rusike said the government should provide financial support for TB research in Zimbabwe, as well as, developing innovative methods to prevent, diagnose, and treat the disease.

“Funding for research on TB in Zimbabwe is minimal, and new tools to prevent, diagnose and treat TB are urgently required.”

According to research, TB is widespread in communities that are ravaged by poverty, poor housing, inadequate nutrition and overcrowded transport systems. Its transmission is aggravated by unsafe working conditions.

“Without adequate financial resources, we cannot win the fight against TB but it is also important to note that the fight against TB is everyone's responsibility and not just for the health sector alone. We should all take action to address it,” Rusike said.

Tuberculosis is an infectious disease. Its control hinges on preventing people from getting infected.

Ministry of Heal and Child Care Aids and TB deputy director Fungai Kavenga said government has put in place measures to curtail the spread of the disease.

“At health facility level, individuals are screened for TB symptoms at every visit and undergo further tests if symptoms are present,” he said in an interview with Zimbabwe Independent.

“Community level activities involve targeted active screening for TB using mobile trucks and volunteers, focusing on highrisk groups, such as mining communities.”

Kavenga emphasised that trends showed that TB in some cases is “Hiv-driven”.

“Prevention therapy is offered for those at higher risk of developing TB,” he added.

Kavenga said government had procured TB detecting equipment.

“In terms of treatment, efforts are being made to update guidelines, ensure a steady supply of commodities and medicines, provide laboratory support services for patients on treatment, offer social and financial support, and train healthcare workers,” he said.

“These measures aim to provide quality care and increase retention of patients in treatment programmes.”

According to the World Health Organisation Global TB Report of 2023, TB remains a major public health emergency globally.