Yes! We Can End Tuberculosis
By Wezi Nungu
World Tuberculosis Day is observed on 24th March every year. As the Principal Recipient of The Global Fund TB/HIV Epidemic Control Program in Malawi, World Vision Malawi joined the local and international community to commemorate this day, continuing with the theme “Yes! We can end TB”. The theme encapsulates the objective of the day; to eradicate the stigma associated with Tuberculosis (TB) and to promote dignity of the people affected by the diseases.
The guest of honor representing the Minister of Health was Dr. Matthias Joshua, Director of Reforms and Implementation in the Ministry of Health. Dr. Joshua emphasized on the importance of observing this day in raising awareness to curb the disease.
“It is possible for Malawi to meet the elimination targets of the disease so as long as we stay the course. Investments have been made in mobile diagnostic vans to allow people to access TB detection and treatment services easily. The ministry is also promoting digital health to ensure efficient recording and reporting of cases,” said Joshua.
Dr. Joshua also indicated that the government is procuring and advocating for infrastructure and equipment such as Gene pert and x-ray machines for improved diagnosis.
“Malawi continues to register a reduction in the number of people suffering from TB. For example, the incidents for TB have declined from 338 people per 100,000 people in 2010 to 125 people per 100,000 people in 2023 representing 61% reduction over an 11-year period. We believe with better and modern equipment, these numbers should reduce drastically.”
Speaking at the event, The Global Fund Grant Chief of Party, Dr. Bizwick Mwale said that World Vision through the grant, works alongside the Ministry of Health to implement community TB and HIV control program by equipping volunteers with capacity to meet objectives.
“World Vision sub granted to Christian Aid, which in turn sub granted to 3 other organisations who implement activities on the ground. Through these organizations, we established 1,500 sputum collection points in the communities, and trained 15,000 volunteers in active case finding and referral to district health offices,” explained Mwale.
World Vision further provided financial support towards the commemoration by buying bicycles and back bags, which were given as awards to the best performing volunteer groups. These items are used as enablers to ease the work the volunteers do.
Three Community Sputum Collection Points (CSCP) from Karonga district were recognized for leading in their community outreach efforts in the TB program.
These groups have 10 volunteers each who raise awareness. Mwenelondo CSCP emerged at position one and received 6 bicycles and 10 back bags for each member. Fwira CSCP came in second and received 4 bicycles and 10 back bags. And lastly, in position 3 was Ngara group who received 2 bicycles and 10 back bags.
One of the survivors of TB, Phoneous Mulimbo shared his story, from being diagnosed, to being treated and finally recovering.
“For three years since 2017, I was bed ridden and unable to function; I couldn’t walk or talk, and I would end up soiling myself. After we went to the hospital, I was diagnosed with TB. I was immediately put on a treatment plan, whilst observing all precautionary measures so that my family would not contract it. I am very grateful to the health personnel from Khoviwa Village. And I indebted to my wife who nursed me back to health without subjecting me to any stigma,” narrates Mulimbo.
Mulimbo is determined to become an advocate, raising awareness on TB, the treatment and preventative measures. He further says the stigma he faced, as hard as it was, is because most people do not have enough information about the disease, and his goal is to ensure more people are aware.
A total of 1.3 million people died from TB in 2022, and worldwide, TB is the second leading infectious killer after COVID-19 above HIV and AIDS (WHO). Because of these staggering figures, ending the TB epidemic by 2030 is among the health targets of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).