BY BRENNA MATENDERE
ZIMBABWE has made significant strides in the fight against Tuberculosis (TB) that has seen the country’s case detection rates improve, a top official has revealed.
In his speech in Mahusekwa, Mashonaland East on Monday 24 March where crowds gathered to mark World TB Day, Dr. Owen Mugurungi, the Director of the AIDS and TB Unit, said rapid molecular testing equipment recommended by the WHO is now widely available throughout the country, along with sufficient lab consumables.
“I am proud to announce that Zimbabwe has made significant strides in the fight against TB. Our case detection rates have improved, and we have achieved high treatment success rates.
“However, we cannot be complacent. The emergence of drug-resistant TB and the impact of HIV co-infection remind us that the battle is far from over.
“As we commemorate World TB Day, let us remember that ending TB is not just a health issue; it is a matter of social justice. TB disproportionately affects the poor, marginalized, and vulnerable. By ending TB, we are not only saving lives but also creating a more equitable and prosperous society,” he said.
“ Let us leave here today with a renewed sense of purpose. Let us commit to ending 1B. Let us invest in a B-free future. And let us deliver on our promises for the sake of our children and our communities.
“We say thank you to the Government of Zimbabwe, the Ministry of Health and Child Care’s AIDS & TB Programme, all partners in this fight, the workers both at facilities and those holding fort in the community.”
This year’s World TB Day theme was “Yes! We Can End TB: Commit, Invest, Deliver.”
Dr Mugurungi said it resonates deeply with Zimbabwe’s shared mission to eliminate tuberculosis as a public health threat in Zimbabwe and globally.
“Zimbabwe has made significant strides in the fight against TB, and we now struggle with TB/HIV and MDR TB.
It is estimated that approximately one third of TB cases in Zimbabwe are missed, translating to around 8,000-10,000 undiagnosed or unreported cases,” he said.
In 2024, Zimbabwe notified 20,189 TB cases, an increase from 19,545 cases in 2023 but a National TB Program has worked tirelessly to expand access to diagnosis, treatment, and care.
The program has enhanced the national TB surveillance system, which includes active case-finding efforts, targeted TB screening, Hybrid TB contact investigation, and the use of stool samples for detecting childhood TB.
In addition, the team has intensified monitoring and evaluation, including data capturing and uploading figures into DHIS2.
The 6th edition of the National TB guidelines has been disseminated to ensure all testing sites have access to the latest information.
However, Dr Mugurungi said, commitment goes beyond policies and programs.
“From healthcare workers to community leaders, and from policymakers to individual citizens, we must all commit to raising awareness, reducing stigma, and ensuring that TB services reach the most vulnerable populations.
“Investment is the engine of progress. Ending TB requires sustained financial and human resources. We must invest in research, innovation, and the development of new tools, including vaccines, diagnostics, and treatments.
“Additionally, we must invest in our healthcare infrastructure to ensure our facilities can provide quality TB care. This includes newer approaches such as digital X Ray machines with Al technology, use of stool in diagnosis and virtual platforms in building capacity as well as more real-time data,” he said.
Zimbabwe has a National TB Control Programme that strives to reduce transmission, mortality, and improve case detection.
TB diagnosis is free at national laboratories, which helps to increase access to treatment.
TB Preventive Therapy:
The country is actively scaling up TB preventive therapy (TPT) to prevent TB in those at high risk, including people living with HIV and those who have had contact with TB patients.
