With an estimated 96,000 new circumstances of Tuberculosis (TB) reported yearly, Uganda is among the many 30 high-burden international locations affected by each TB and TB-HIV co-infection.
Roughly 35% of notified TB circumstances are co-infected with HIV, and round 2% contain drug-resistant TB, complicating therapy and restoration.
On the identical time, though leprosy was eradicated as a public well being drawback 20 years in the past, latest information reveals a resurgence in circumstances from 180 yearly to roughly 350. Alarmingly, 21% of those circumstances contain Grade II disabilities, pointing to delayed analysis.
Moreover, youngster leprosy circumstances have risen from 8% to 13%, indicating ongoing transmission on the neighborhood stage.
In response, the Ministry of Well being (MoH), with assist from the World Well being Group (WHO) and different companions, performed a complete TB/leprosy Programme Evaluation to form future methods aimed toward ending TB and attaining zero leprosy by 2030. The evaluate got here at a essential time of shifting and unsure funding for international public well being. Hon Dr Jane Ruth Aceng, Minister of Well being, reaffirmed her dedication to mobilizing financing for the programme to attain its targets.
“As a result of we’re nonetheless closely burdened by TB, I guarantee you of my dedication to desk a coverage temporary on TB/leprosy to Cupboard and advocate for elevated home funding,” she mentioned.
Regardless of the challenges, the programme has made commendable progress throughout many indicators, particularly in reaching folks with TB and leprosy. Group involvement expanded TB screening, and chest X-rays aligned with WHO suggestions have elevated case detection, even amongst asymptomatic people.
“We’ve adopted many inventions, together with neighborhood consciousness, screening, and testing, using chest X-ray screening to determine TB circumstances earlier,” mentioned Dr Evelyne Tibananuka, TB/leprosy Technical Officer at WHO Uganda.
“Nonetheless, way more stays to be performed. We now must sort out TB on the grassroots and tackle the important thing drivers of the illness.”
This resolve was re-echoed by Dr. Charles Olaro, Performing Director Basic of Well being Providers on the Ministry of Well being. “We should strengthen neighborhood engagement and empower Group Well being Extension Staff (CHEWs) with TB and leprosy information to drive advocacy and create demand for providers,” he said.
WHO continues to work intently with Uganda’s Ministry of Well being, offering technical assist, experience, and progressive options to make sure the nation meets worldwide well being requirements whereas addressing native wants.
Insights from this complete evaluate will inform the brand new TB Strategic Plan (NSP) 2025/26–2029/30, a roadmap that emphasizes focused, evidence-based interventions primarily based on subject information and stakeholder consultations.
Dr. Suraj Man Shrestha from the WHO nation workplace congratulated the programme for finishing the evaluate and its achievements. He urged the federal government to prioritize the mixing of TB and leprosy providers inside broader well being techniques to advance a resilient, patient-centred strategy to healthcare supply.
“WHO stays dedicated to supporting Uganda on its journey towards ending TB and leprosy by strengthened techniques, progressive approaches, and sustained collaboration,” he emphasised.