Kampala, Uganda– The World Well being Group (WHO) Director of the International Tuberculosis (TB) Programme, Dr Tereza Kasaeva, concluded a transformative four-day high-level mission to Uganda (25–28 November 2024). The mission underscored Uganda’s efforts in tackling TB and Leprosy.
The go to included strategic engagements with Uganda’s Minister of Well being, Dr Jane Ruth Aceng Ocero, Everlasting Secretary Dr Diana Atwine, and WHO Uganda workers. Dr Kasaeva additionally visited Wakiso District to judge community-level TB interventions.
The mission culminated in her participation within the seventh Annual TB and Leprosy Stakeholders Convention at Speke Resort Munyonyo in Kampala. The occasion was inaugurated by Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. Robinah Nabbanja, and attended by esteemed leaders and companions.
The Prime Minister recommended healthcare staff and companions for his or her unwavering dedication to reaching underserved populations. This dedication, she famous, varieties the spine of Uganda’s TB response and referred to as for continued funding in revolutionary options and public engagement campaigns.
She gave a directive to all leaders within the native governments to return collectively, analyse the struggling communities with excessive TB numbers, establish key points placing these folks on the elevated threat of TB and Leprosy, and contain all sectors to develop a plan on find out how to tackle the drivers of TB/Leprosy of their neighborhood.
Addressing stakeholders on the convention, Dr Kasaeva applauded Uganda’s dedication to ending TB, exemplified by initiatives such because the #LiveTBFree marketing campaign and the Group Consciousness, Screening, Testing, Prevention, and Remedy (CAST TB) program.
“These revolutionary initiatives speed up Uganda’s momentum in direction of reaching the Finish TB goal,” Dr Kasaeva noticed.
Dr Jane Ruth Aceng Ocero emphasised the broader significance of Uganda’s battle in opposition to TB. “Ending TB in Uganda isn’t just a well being crucial; it’s a socioeconomic precedence. Each step we take immediately saves lives and strengthens our future,” she stated.
Regardless of exceptional progress, TB stays main explanation for demise from infectious illnesses globally. Uganda just isn’t far totally different from the worldwide image and in 2023 over 9,900 lives had been misplaced as a consequence of TB. Moreover, solely 90% of individuals with TB illness acquired TB remedy solely 86,469 out of 96, 000 had been handled, leaving 10% undetected. This hole highlights the pressing want for enhanced surveillance and TB neighborhood providers.
Throughout her go to to Wakiso District, Dr Kasaeva witnessed the success of cellular TB clinics and community-based interventions supported by WHO technically. These initiatives are crucial in bringing providers close to to the neighborhood, reaching the unreachable and in the end addressing challenges like late diagnoses and transport associated challenges.
Dr Charles Njuguna, Performing WHO Nation Consultant, reaffirmed WHO’s unwavering help for Uganda’s TB and leprosy response.
“With over 50% of TB-affected households experiencing catastrophic prices, integrating social safety into TB care is important,” Dr Njuguna acknowledged, emphasizing the significance of sustainable financing.
As Uganda builds on its successes, Dr Kasaeva highlighted the importance of community-centered campaigns like #TeamUpToEndTB and acknowledged Uganda’s position as a mannequin for different international locations.
She expressed delight in Uganda’s accelerated TB response and its international impression, reaffirming WHO’s dedication to supporting the nation in reaching the objective of ending TB by 2030.
The 2-day convention marked the conclusion of Dr Kasaeva’s go to, reaffirming a united dedication from stakeholders to fight TB and leprosy, guarantee equitable healthcare entry, and obtain sustainable progress.