On March 24 each year, the world observes World Tuberculosis Day to raise awareness about the ongoing battle against tuberculosis (TB). This year’s theme, “Yes! We Can End TB: Commit, Invest, and Deliver,” underscores the need for increased commitment and action to eliminate the disease.
As part of the commemoration, Simon Effah Adjei, the Municipal Disease Control Officer for Bolgatanga, highlighted that TB, an infectious disease caused by the Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria, primarily affects the lungs but can also spread to other parts of the body.
Speaking on A1 Radio, Mr. Adjei explained that TB can be categorized into two main forms: pulmonary TB, which affects the lungs, and extrapulmonary TB, which affects other body parts. Additionally, TB exists in two stages: latent and active. Latent TB remains dormant and is not contagious, but when the immune system weakens, it can become active and potentially spread.
He emphasized that the fight against TB has come a long way since Dr. Robert Koch first identified the bacterial cause of the disease in 1882, dispelling the earlier misconception that TB was caused by bad air. Today, TB is preventable and treatable, with a six-month course of medication often sufficient for a full recovery.
“The disease was first identified by Dr. Robert Koch in 1882. Previously, TB was thought to be caused by bad air. When people had TB, it was assumed that it resulted from exposure to bad air. However, in 1882, Robert Koch discovered that TB is actually caused by bacteria. Since then, efforts have been made to detect cases as early as possible and implement the necessary measures to prevent its spread.”
However, despite advancements, TB remains a global health challenge. In 2023, approximately 1.2 million people died from TB worldwide, and around 10.8 million new cases were reported.
Mr. Adjei expressed concern about the situation in the Bolgatanga Municipality, noting that nearly 800 individuals in the Upper East Region were diagnosed with TB in 2024, including 168 cases within the municipality. From January to February 2025, 21 new cases have already been detected. He stressed that the high prevalence of TB in the region underscores the need for continued vigilance and early detection.
“When we look at our region, 794 people were diagnosed with TB last year (2024). Out of this number, 168 cases were recorded in the Bolgatanga Municipality. This shows that TB is quite prevalent in the region, particularly in Bolga.”
One of the most critical aspects of TB treatment, he said, is timely intervention. He noted that people often seek medical help too late, leading to fatal outcomes.
“The aspect of TB that becomes really deadly is when people come in at a later stage—by then, their condition is severe, and they may not survive.”
He explained that active TB is contagious and spreads through coughing, with infected droplets suspended in the air. He urged individuals to cover their mouth and nose when coughing to prevent transmission.
Addressing Stigma and Community Support
One of the major challenges in TB management, according to Mr. Adjei, is stigma. People diagnosed with the disease often face emotional and social isolation, making it crucial for communities to provide support during treatment.
“One key issue I want to highlight is the stigma surrounding TB. People with TB need emotional and community support to help them stay on treatment and recover.”
He further noted that the municipality has been proactive in addressing TB through regular community screenings and sensitization campaigns. In the first two months of 2025, 19 communities were visited as part of awareness efforts to encourage testing and early diagnosis. He emphasized that TB screening and treatment services are completely free, and community support is crucial to the success of these initiatives.
He urged community leaders and chiefs to embrace TB screenings and create an environment where people feel comfortable coming forward for testing. He noted that progress is being made, as community leaders have shown increasing support for screening initiatives.
“We want to ensure that chiefs and community leaders support community screenings. Whenever we conduct screenings in any community, we encourage community members to participate and spread awareness so that even those at home will feel encouraged to come forward for testing.”
Source: A1Radioonline.com | 101.1MHz | Gifty Eyram Kudiabor| Bolgatanga
