Accra, March 23, – Ghana will on March 24 join the global community to observe World Tuberculosis (TB) Day, with activities aimed at strengthening community involvement in the fight against the disease.
The 2026 theme, “Yes! We Can End TB: Led by Communities, Powered by the People,” underscores the vital role of communities in preventing, detecting, and treating tuberculosis.
Community Role Key to Ending TB
Dr Bernard Ziem, National Tuberculosis Programme Manager, emphasised that empowering communities remained central to ending TB.
“Community leaders, volunteers, TB survivors, and local organisations play a critical role in identifying cases, supporting treatment adherence, reducing stigma, and promoting early health-seeking behaviour,” he said.
He explained that well-informed communities serve as frontliners in disease prevention and health promotion.
TB Burden in Ghana
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), about 44,000 Ghanaians develop TB annually, yet fewer than 20,000 cases are detected and treated, leaving a significant number of infections unreported.
Dr Ziem noted that despite being preventable and curable, TB remains one of the deadliest infectious diseases globally, and continues to pose a serious public health challenge in Ghana.
Symptoms and Transmission
Tuberculosis is spread through airborne droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or sings. It primarily affects the lungs but can also impact other organs such as:
Liver
Kidneys
Intestines
Reproductive organs
Common symptoms include:
Persistent cough
Weight loss
Fever
Night sweats
Chest pain
Coughing blood
Call for Early Detection and Treatment
Dr Ziem urged the public to seek medical attention promptly:
“Anyone with a cough and other TB symptoms should report to the nearest health facility.”
He also advised the public to:
Avoid overcrowded spaces
Ensure proper ventilation
Support TB patients to complete their treatment
Focus on Pediatric TB
The National Tuberculosis Programme (NTP) is prioritising improved diagnosis among children in 2026.
While the WHO estimates that 8–10% of TB cases should be among children, Ghana currently records only about 4.5%, indicating possible underdiagnosis.
Sustaining the Fight
Dr Ziem commended health workers nationwide for their dedication and called for increased domestic investment in healthcare, especially as global funding becomes constrained.
He urged government institutions, civil society, traditional leaders, the private sector, media, and communities to renew their commitment to eliminating TB.
GHBUSS
March 23, 2026
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