On 24 March Zambia joined the rest of the world to focus on how best to defeat Tuberculosis, (TB), an old disease that can be prevented and treated, but continues to afflict and kill many people. TB is a major public health problem in Zambia and is the commonest opportunistic infection among people living with HIV. The Ministry of Health took the lead in forging a strong partnership with various stakeholders to advocate for intensified actions to eliminate TB in the country under the theme “Wanted: Leaders for a TB-Free world”. Districts across the country organized events aimed at creating awareness on TB prevention, and the importance of early care seeking and treatment for TB. Radio and TV programmes including print and social media were used to disseminate information and key messages. Key topics including TB prevention and treatment; TB and HIV coinfection; TB in the workplace; Childhood TB; and  TB in the Community were discussed widely in the media prior to and during the national launch. 

The national commemoration of the World TB Day took place in Kitwe district on the Copperbelt Province. In line with the theme which recognises the tremendous influence which leaders have in building support for strong partnerships and commitment to end TB, this event attracted political leaders, policy makers, civic leaders, community leaders and religious leaders. There was also a deliberate effort to engage young people and youth leaders particularly school going youths to take up leadership roles at school and in their communities in TB activities. The event was preceded by a solidarity march by various partners and stakeholders who carried messages on ending TB and the need for leaders to champion efforts of ending TB.

The Mayor of the City of Kitwe, His Worship, Mr. Christopher Kangombe welcomed all the partners and stakeholders to the province. He stated that the World TB Day was preceded by satellite activities which involved community outreach and sensitization, radio and TV programmes, and debates on TB by schools with support from partners.
The WHO Country Office was represented at the occasion and Dr. Lastone Chitembo, the HIV & TB Advisor read the statement of the WHO Regional Director for Africa Dr. Matshidiso Moeti on behalf of the WHO Representative. In her statement, Dr. Moeti said that although the African Region had made good progress in controlling TB, it still had the highest levels of the disease, high numbers of patients with HIV and TB co-infection, alarming increases in TB that is resistant to treatment with common medicines and that only 40% of the resources needed for provision of the TB services were available. The Regional Director emphasized the key role leaders can play in TB control and urged governments to drive ambitious plans to accelerate TB control efforts. “I strongly urge governments to scale up domestic funding for TB control and take responsibility for essential medicines and laboratory supplies. Furthermore, governments should push for universal coverage with proven high quality services”.

At the same event, the USAID Zambia Mission Director, Mr. Patrick Diskin reiterated the commitment of the US government to supporting eradication of TB in Zambia and that it was working in partnership with government to improve case detection, laboratory diagnosis and to address drug resistant TB. Furthermore, he informed the gathering that the US government was contributing to implementation of the National TB Strategic Plan through the Challenge TB Project implemented by FHI360 and the Eradicate TB Project implemented by PATH. He urged community members to get tested if they developed signs of TB and to complete TB treatment if they tested positive in order to ensure a TB free Zambia.

The guest of honour, the Provincial Minister for the Copperbelt Province, Mr.  Japhen Mwakalombe said that TB was one of the 10 leading causes of mortality in Zambia and that it affected a total of 60,000 people annually with 17,000 deaths. In addition, he emphasized that only two thirds of the TB cases in the country were detected and put on treatment and that there was urgent need to reverse this trend to avoid deaths because TB is curable. He stated that the Ministry of Health had domesticated the Global End TB strategy by 2030 and that they were investing in newer diagnostic tools, modern infrastructure and human resources for health. He recognised the sustained and relentless support provided by the Global Fund, US Government, WHO, World Bank and other partners to accelerate efforts aimed at achieving a TB-free Zambia. He reiterated that the Ministry would continue providing leadership in the fight against TB and called for all partners and stakeholders to work with government in order to intensify efforts to end TB.

The World TB Day commemoration in Kitwe district attracted participation from other districts within the province. Present at the function were: Members of Parliament, senior officials from the Ministry of Health headquarters in Lusaka, District Commissioners, representatives from hospitals and nursing schools, representatives from NGOs and community-based organisations, schools, media institutions, faith- based organisations and the general public. Some of the organisations also participated in the exhibition of services and provided information and education materials on TB and other health problems including services such as HIV self-testing. Members of the public benefitted from TB screening, HIV testing and other health services. The function was characterized by speeches, song and dance, drama performances and sport.