As a prelude to the celebration next Sunday March 24 of the 31st edition of World Tuberculosis Day under the theme “Yes! we can end tuberculosis! », the Minister of Public Health, Dr Malachie Manaouda made a statement to the press this Wednesday, March 20 at the coordination center for public health emergency operations, on the progress linked to the fight against this disease.
According to the WHO, 7.5 million cases of tuberculosis will be diagnosed in 2022, worldwide. Additionally, deaths from tuberculosis worldwide continue to rise, with nearly 3,500 people dying every day. This is the highest number since the WHO committed itself in 1995 to conducting diligent surveillance of this disease. Statistical data on the disease in Cameroon has been revealed. Thus, during the year 2023, the disease figures show 164 new cases per 100,000 inhabitants in 2021, and 154 cases per 100,000 in 2022. Mortality among tuberculosis patients increases from 30 to 26 cases between 2021 and 2022, according to the WHO report.
Regarding diagnosis and treatment, they are effective thanks to the presence throughout the national territory of 72 GenExpert machines and 49 TB LAMP machines, 25,705 new cases of susceptible tuberculosis, all forms combined, have been notified with 1,445 (or 5.6%) children under 15 years of age and 181 cases of multi-resistant tuberculosis.
The public health boss revealed that currently booming community activities contributed almost 10% to this notification. In addition, HIV - Tuberculosis co-infection is decreasing. It hovers around 17% with 96% of patients on antiretrovirals.
Dr Malachie Manaouda points out that despite the numerous initiatives which have made it possible to very significantly reduce the impact of the disease within the population, the country still remains in a worrying situation and several challenges must be met to achieve the objective which aims to end tuberculosis by 2035.
In particular the under-reporting of cases of tuberculosis of all forms; the maintenance of laboratory diagnostic tools and the establishment of a good sample system; permanent advocacy with partners and donors for a substantial mobilization of funds allocated to the fight against tuberculosis; free sputum examination through Userfee activities.
“Yes, we can put an end to tuberculosis by 2035, by developing synergies of actions with all state and non-state actors, as well as with other experts, particularly those in the field of communication,” declared the boss. of public health by inviting all stakeholders involved to invest a little more
Clément Noumsi
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