Kampala, Uganda– The World Health Organization (WHO) Director of the Global 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 visit included strategic engagements with Uganda’s Minister of Health, Dr Jane Ruth Aceng Ocero, Permanent Secretary Dr Diana Atwine, and WHO Uganda staff. Dr Kasaeva also visited Wakiso District to evaluate community-level TB interventions. The mission culminated in her participation in the 7th Annual TB and Leprosy Stakeholders Conference at Speke Resort Munyonyo in Kampala. The event was inaugurated by Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. Robinah Nabbanja, and attended by esteemed leaders and partners.
The Prime Minister commended healthcare workers and partners for their unwavering dedication to reaching underserved populations. This commitment, she noted, forms the backbone of Uganda’s TB response and called for continued investment in innovative solutions and public engagement campaigns.
She gave a directive to all leaders in the local governments to come together, analyse the suffering communities with high TB numbers, identify key issues putting these people at the increased risk of TB and Leprosy, and involve all sectors to develop a plan on how to address the drivers of TB/Leprosy in their community.
Addressing stakeholders at the conference, Dr Kasaeva applauded Uganda’s commitment to ending TB, exemplified by initiatives such as the #LiveTBFree campaign and the Community Awareness, Screening, Testing, Prevention, and Treatment (CAST TB) program. “These innovative initiatives accelerate Uganda’s momentum towards achieving the End TB target,” Dr Kasaeva observed. Dr Jane Ruth Aceng Ocero emphasized the broader significance of Uganda’s fight against TB. “Ending TB in Uganda is not just a health imperative; it is a socioeconomic priority. Every step we take today saves lives and strengthens our future,” she said.
Despite remarkable progress, TB remains leading cause of death from infectious diseases globally. Uganda is not far different from the global picture and in 2023 over 9,900 lives were lost due to TB. Additionally, only 90% of people with TB disease received TB treatment only 86,469 out of 96, 000 were treated, leaving 10% undetected. This gap highlights the urgent need for enhanced surveillance and TB community services. During her visit to Wakiso District, Dr Kasaeva witnessed the success of mobile TB clinics and community-based interventions supported by WHO technically. These initiatives are critical in bringing services near to the community, reaching the unreachable and ultimately addressing challenges like late diagnoses and transport related challenges.
Dr Charles Njuguna, Acting WHO Country Representative, reaffirmed WHO’s unwavering support for Uganda’s TB and leprosy response. “With over 50% of TB-affected households experiencing catastrophic costs, integrating social protection into TB care is essential,” Dr Njuguna stated, emphasizing the importance of sustainable financing. As Uganda builds on its successes, Dr Kasaeva highlighted the significance of community-centered campaigns like #TeamUpToEndTB and acknowledged Uganda’s role as a model for other countries. She expressed pride in Uganda’s accelerated TB response and its global impact, reaffirming WHO’s commitment to supporting the country in achieving the goal of ending TB by 2030. The two-day conference marked the conclusion of Dr Kasaeva’s visit, reaffirming a united commitment from stakeholders to combat TB and leprosy, ensure equitable healthcare access, and achieve sustainable progress.
