The 2022 Success Story
According to the National Program for the Fight Against Tuberculosis (NPFT), 25,286 cases of all forms of Tuberculosis, were reported in Cameroon in 2022. This figure includes 5.3% pediatric TB, and 174 cases of multi-resistant TB.
The total number of TB cases reported in 2022 include 545 cases of prison inmates who were placed on treatment after being detected. Prison inmates are a major priority for TB health care givers.
TB is a leading cause of deaths in persons living with HIV. In 2022, Cameroon saw an 18% decrease in tuberculosis-HIV co-infections compared to 2021. Ninety-eight of co-infected patients were successfully placed on antiretroviral drugs (ARVs).
NPFT officials say sustainable community activities also contributed 5% to the 2022 TB success story.
The Way Forward
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 4000 deaths and 30,000 new cases of the disease are reported every day around the world. The mortality rate for TB is 30 per 100,000 inhabitants.
Cameroon is not excluded from the gloom report of this devastating health problem. As the country embarks on ending TB by 2030, Public Health Minister identifies some challenges that need to be resolved.
One of such setbacks is the inability for most people at risk to access existing tools and resources to protect themselves from the disease or get timely treatment.
The late notification of TB cases, the maintenance of diagnostic tools in laboratories and the establishment of a good system for transporting samples are also primordial concerns.
Dr. Manaouda Malachie says there is an ongoing advocacy for partners and other donors to ensure a consistent mobilization of funds allocated for the fight against TB.
TB Health care givers agree that ending TB requires implementing measures that will amplify communication about the disease and other communicable diseases.
Kathy Neba Sina
