The Ministry of Health and Social Welfare (MoHSW) in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) Country Office, the Medical Research Council (MRC) and other stakeholders observed the World Tuberculosis Day (WTBD) on the 24th March. The theme for this year is “Unite to End TB”.

As part of activities marking this important Day, on the eve of the Day there was a televised broadcast of statements , by the MoHSW and the WHO Representative, Dr. Charles Sagoe-Moses, who read the RD’s statement.  This was preceded by sensitization activities on the Gambia Radio and Television Services and private/community radio stations across the country.

On the Day itself, the National Leprosy and TB Control Programme hosted a press briefing at its headquarters in Kanifing at which the Programme Manager, Mr. Adama Jallow, briefed journalists on the objectives and strategies of the National TB/Leprosy programme, as well as the achievements it has realized over the years.  

In particular, Mr. Jallow cited the overall reduction in national prevalence of all forms of TB in The Gambia, currently pegged at 128/100.00 population, which is less than the 174/100,000 estimates set by the WHO. He also noted some of the key mile stones accomplished, which include an increase in the number of positive TB cases diagnosed from 1306 cases in 2008 to 1354 cases in 2016; increase in TB treatment rate which currently stands at 88%, exceeding the WHO target of at least 85%; decline in the defaulter rate from 14% in 2005 to 6% in 2016 and the ongoing TB services rendered at the prisons and military barracks.

Mr. Jallow listed some of their implementation strategies, which include but not restricted to the following:

• Provision of high-quality DOTS (Directly Observed Treatment Short Course) expansion with improved TB case detection through quality-assured bacteriology, and further political commitment in terms of increase and sustained financing.
• Strengthening of Laboratory services
• Increase in the number of diagnostic centres; standardization of treatment; strengthening of supervision of services and drug supply management system
• Implementation of collaboration TB/HIV activities
• Implementation of the practical approach to lung health strategy
• Strengthening of the overall monitoring and evaluation system, procedure and processes

In conclusion, Mr. Jallow thanked WHO, MRC, Global Fund and other partners for their unflinching support to the fight against Tuberculosis. 

On his part, Mr. Bakary Jargo representing WHO, reminded journalists that despite the gains accomplished TB continues to be a global public health concern especially in the African Region, which not only hosts sixteen (16) of the 30 TB high burden countries in the world, but also has the highest TB/HIV co-infection rates in the world. He also noted that drug resistant TB (MDR-TB) continues to pose a serious global public challenge compounded by the seemingly exorbitant cost of treatment and lack of adequate laboratory capacity to detect the disease.

Despite the challenges enumerated above, Mr. Jargo reiterated the Regional Director’s message that countries in the African Region have agreed to reduce TB deaths by 75% and new TB cases by 50% by 2025 as we enter the era of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs, which, as the theme implies, calls for greater collaboration within and across governments, and with partners from civil society, communities, researchers, the private sector and development agencies.

He commended the TB Programme for the great achievements and pledged WHO’s continued support to further expand and consolidate the gains accomplished.  He also commended the journalists for their good work but encouraged them to do more in ensuring that TB information reaches every doorstep in the country.

Other speakers included Dr. Sillah (MRC), who spoke on his institution’s Childhood Tuberculosis Programme which has the overall objective of improving the diagnosis and management of children affected by TB in the Greater Banjul area. Mr. Ignatius Baldeh, Head National Public Health Laboratory spoke about the importance of laboratory services in TB control. 

The ceremony was chaired by the Deputy Director of Health Services- Dr. Samba Ceesay.   Speaking on  behalf of the Permanent Secretary, Dr Ceesay urged journalists to be mindful when reporting and encouraged them to be always objective and to have their facts right. He noted that TB technicians are always available and can always be reached for any updates or advice.

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For more details, please contact:

Mr. Momodou Gassama, Health Promotion Officer, gassamam [at] gm.afro.who.int—(+220)- 4462286

Mr. George. Williams, Health Information Assistant, williamsg [at] gm.afro.who.int—(+220) 4462284

Below:

01. Tshirt used as promotional material for WTBD 2017

02. Dr. Charles Sagoe_Moses reading out RDs Statement on WTBD

03. Mr. Adama Jallow. TB and Leprosy Manager on country update

04. Mr. Bakary (WHO) reading a statement on WTBD

05. Roundtable of journalists attending the press briefing