2022: 2.5m individuals contracted TB in Africa — WHO

By Matthew Denis

In commemoration of the World Tuberculosis Day 2024, the World Health Organization has disclosed that no fewer than 2.5 million people contract TB in Africa.

This is contained in a message to mark this year’s World Tuberculosis Day issued by the WHO Regional Director for Africa, Dr Matshidiso Moeti on Sunday.

She revealed that the number of TB deaths in Africa in 2022 reached 424,000, resulting in the loss of one life every minute even when TB is preventable and treatable.

These figures underscore the urgency of collective action in addressing the ongoing TB epidemic and highlight the need for sustained efforts to end it.

The World Tuberculosis Day is marked on March 24 every year to raise awareness about the devastating health, social and economic consequences of TB and to step up efforts to end the global TB epidemic.

According to her, “The theme for 2024 is ‘Yes! We Can End TB.’ With continued efforts and awareness campaigns, the aim is to eradicate the world’s deadliest disease.

“Since then, a 20 percent increase has been recorded in identified paediatric TB cases compared to the previous year. This signifies a positive step, indicating a more practical approach to recognizing TB in children and a decisive push to end this ancient disease.

“Today, we reflect on our progress while recognising the challenges in our efforts to eliminate it as a public health threat.

“TB continues to be the second leading cause of death from a single infectious agent, surpassing the toll of HIV/AIDS.”

She said the WHO African Region supports its member states’ fight against TB in Africa by setting strategic directions, developing monitoring tools, like the African TB scorecard with the African Union, and ensuring progress towards ending TB Strategy.