Cameroon’s health minister has raised an alarm as the country is grappling with a concerning resurgence of the tuberculosis disease as the world gears up to observe the 31st edition of World Tuberculosis Day on Sunday, March 24.
According to recent data released by the Minister of Public Health, Dr Manaouda Malachie, Cameroon has experienced a 12.5 percent increase in tuberculosis cases, with close to 26,000 reported in 2023 compared to 22,000 in 2022.
While the mortality rate has seen a slight decline from 26 to 30 per 1,000 inhabitants between 2021 and 2022, the escalating number of cases underscores the urgent need for proactive intervention.
Among the most alarming statistics is the revelation that 5 percent of the newly reported cases are children under the age of 15.
Additionally, instances of tuberculosis have been documented within prison facilities, with approximately 700 cases identified in 2023 alone.
These figures underscore the pervasive nature of the disease and the pressing need for comprehensive strategies to mitigate its spread.
Under the theme, “Yes we can end tuberculosis,” World Tuberculosis Day rallies the global community to renew efforts to combat this persistent health threat.
TB remains a troubling global health problem, killing 1.3 million people in 2022, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
The theme of this year’s World TB Day, the organization says, “conveys a message of hope that getting back-on-track to turn the tide against the TB epidemic is possible..”
The WHO has emphasized preventive treatment and accelerated investment in the fight against TB.
The Cameroon government is not dropping its guard against the disease.
In response to the growing public health challenge, Cameroon’s National Tuberculosis Control Program is spearheading initiatives to provide free consultations and screening campaigns across the country.
The goal is to detect cases early, initiate prompt treatment, and prevent further transmission within communities.
One such initiative is the sensitization open-door event scheduled at Jamo Hospital in Yaoundé, where medical practitioners will conduct screenings and offer free treatment to individuals presenting symptoms of tuberculosis.
Early detection is crucial, with common indicators including persistent coughing, weight loss, fever, and loss of appetite.
For concerned individuals like the mother of a young patient, the opportunity to access tuberculosis testing and treatment is a vital lifeline.
“Ever since she was born she has been coughing,” the mother explains. “When we treat it, it comes back, so I decided to bring her here for the tuberculosis test.”
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