World TB Day, observed on Monday, March 24, 2025, served as a crucial reminder of the ongoing battle against tuberculosis (TB), an infectious disease caused by bacteria primarily affecting the lungs. Despite being preventable and curable, TB remains a significant global health challenge. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), TB claimed 1.25 million lives in 2023, surpassing even COVID-19 as the leading cause of death from a single infectious agent.

The disease spreads through airborne particles released when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or speaks. This highlights the critical importance of early detection and treatment in curbing its transmission. Common symptoms include a persistent cough (sometimes accompanied by blood), chest pain, weakness, fatigue, weight loss, fever, and night sweats.

The theme for the 2025 World TB Day, "Yes, We Can End TB! Commit, Invest, Deliver," sparked vital discussions about the necessity for intensified interventions and increased financial support to combat the disease. In Ghana, data from the Ghana Health Service indicates a notable achievement in 2024, with a TB treatment success rate of 90.6 per cent among the 20,599 new cases detected. However, an estimated 24,000 cases were missed due to funding shortfalls, out of an estimated 44,000 cases. Furthermore, deaths among patients undergoing anti-TB treatment stood at 12,200, representing a 5.1 per cent TB death rate—a reduction from the previous range of 8 to 10 per cent.

During the World TB Day event in Accra on March 24, 2025, the Minister of Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, reaffirmed the government's dedication to increasing funding for TB control initiatives. He revealed that Ghana recorded 20,000 TB cases in 2024. “The government recognizes the urgent need for decisive action to end TB… As a government, we are determined to increase funding for TB control activities, which will include essential logistics and medical supplies, improving access to diagnostic tools like GeneXpert machines and digital X-rays, and strengthening healthcare systems to ensure no TB patient goes undiagnosed or untreated,” he stated, emphasizing President John Dramani Mahama's continued prioritization of these actions.

The Minister also pointed out that stigma, limited access to diagnostic tools, and insufficient funding continue to impede progress in the fight against TB. He stressed the need for collaborative efforts from all stakeholders: “We must work together to raise awareness, support those affected, and advocate for the resources needed to eliminate TB. Together, we can make a difference and achieve our goal of ending TB by 2030.”

Although World TB Day has passed, the urgency for stronger action remains. Combating TB requires continuous awareness campaigns, stronger interventions, and sustained investments. Individuals can contribute by raising awareness, supporting TB patients, promoting good hygiene practices (such as covering coughs, wearing masks, and proper disposal of sputum and tissues), and encouraging testing for those at increased risk. The fight against TB extends beyond a single day, demanding persistent effort and commitment from all.

JKB/AE Meanwhile, watch as Prof Gyampo explains why he believes the BBC's 'Sex for Grades' exposé was orchestrated