The Ministry of Health, in partnership with the Ghana Health Service, has observed this year’s World Tuberculosis (TB) Day by urging greater commitment, investment, and effective implementation of TB control measures.
With the theme “Yes, We Can End TB! Commit, Invest, Deliver,” the event highlighted the pressing need for action to eradicate the disease. Participants at the event pointed out critical obstacles to TB control in Ghana, such as stigma, limited access to diagnostic resources, and insufficient funding.
In his address, the Minister of Health, Mr. Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, acknowledged Ghana’s progress in tuberculosis (TB) case detection and recognised the ongoing challenges.
He shared that, in 2024, the country reported over 20,000 TB cases—a notable improvement—but still fell short of the World Health Organization’s (WHO) target of 44,000 cases annually.
The Minister emphasized the government’s commitment to ending TB by boosting funding for control efforts, enhancing access to diagnostic tools like GeneXpert machines and digital X-rays, and strengthening healthcare systems to ensure no TB patient is left undiagnosed or untreated.
Mr. Akandoh also called on Ghanaians to play an active role in the fight against TB by raising awareness within their communities, supporting those affected, and encouraging early testing. He challenged the public to reflect on how they can contribute to the cause.
He asked, “Can you raise awareness? Can you support someone with TB? Can you encourage others to get tested?”
The Director-General of the Ghana Health Service, Prof. Samuel Kaba Akoriyea, reinforced the theme’s message, emphasizing that eliminating TB demands strong leadership, ongoing investments, and the effective execution of TB interventions.
He also announced that Ghana’s National TB Control Program has updated its guidelines to align with the latest global standards set by the World Health Organization (WHO).
Contributing to the discussion, Prof. Dorothy Yeboah-Manu, Chairperson of the Advisory Board of the National TB Control Program, highlighted the critical role of research in identifying undiagnosed TB cases.
She called on stakeholders to maintain their investment in TB control efforts, urging, “Let us dedicate our time, resources, and manpower to the fight against TB.”
