Ghana Commemorates 2025 World Tuberculosis Day: Stakeholders Gather Amid Disappointment
The Ministry of Health’s conference room was filled with stakeholders as Ghana marked the 2025 World Tuberculosis Day. The event, themed “Yes! We Can End TB: Commit, Invest, Deliver,” aimed to raise awareness about tuberculosis (TB) and emphasize the government’s commitment to eradicating the disease by 2030.
Despite the significance of the day, some attendees expressed disappointment. Kwaku, a local yoghurt seller suffering from a persistent cough for over two weeks, had hoped to receive free medical treatment at the event. “I came because of this cough… I hope they will be able to heal me here today,” he lamented upon discovering that no treatment provisions were available.
Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, delivering the keynote address, reiterated that eradicating TB is a top priority for the government. He highlighted various interventions, including the expansion of rapid molecular testing platforms and treatment centres. “Community engagement is central to our strategy,” he stated, stressing the importance of reducing stigma and promoting participation.
In 2024, Ghana recorded over 20,599 TB cases, a concerning statistic from the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research. Minister Akandoh reassured the public that “tuberculosis is not a death sentence” and confirmed the government’s commitment to fighting the disease.
Prof. Dorothy Yeboah-Manu, Director of the Noguchi Memorial Institute, praised health professionals for their efforts in combating TB. She noted, “We have intensified research and produced effective drugs to kill most pathogens.”
Dr. Yaw Adusi-Poku, Project Manager of the National Tuberculosis Control Programme, announced that necessary drugs are now available for distribution across health centres. “Treatment for tuberculosis is free, and help is available 24/7,” he affirmed.
The World Health Organization’s Country Representative, Dr. Frank Lule underscored the need for a dedicated budget to sustain TB control efforts, especially following the suspension of USAID funding. “We must intensify our campaign to raise awareness about TB,” he urged.
Dr. Badu Sarkodie, Director of Public Health at the Ghana Health Service, commended the National TB Control Programme for developing the TB Prevention Therapy to tackle the epidemic. He highlighted the need for approximately $13 million to roll out the therapy nationwide and encouraged the public to seek testing for TB.
As the world marks TB Day on March 24 each year, the focus remains on raising awareness about the disease, which claims 4,500 lives daily. The Ghanaian government and its partners are committed to intensifying efforts to combat TB and ultimately end the epidemic by 2035.
By: Frank Owusu Obimpeh
