Over 50,000 Zambians suffered Tuberculosis in 2022 —Health Minister, Masebo

Government says Zambia has seen an unprecedented increase in Tuberculosis (TB) cases with 36,000 patients treated in 2019 and over 50,000 cases detected in 2022.

According to Health Minister Sylvia Masebo, Zambia is still among 30 countries with a high TB burden and over 60,000 being infected every year.

Officiating at the World TB Day Commemorations in Lusaka on Friday, Masebo said over 2,000 people die from the disease each year and this is due to delays in seeking healthcare by people who may have signs and symbols of the disease.

She said it is important for people to start treatment at an early stage and take medication as prescribed to reduce the cases.

“Deaths are largely often due to delays in seeking healthcare. These figures are a stark reminder of the importance of continuing our efforts to combat this disease,” Masebo said.

She said due to the COVID-19 pandemic, global efforts to eliminate TB have either slowed down, stalled or even regressed.

Masebo said despite this setback, Zambia stands out as a country that has achieved remarkable success in meeting key TB targets.

“In fact, Zambia has seen an unprecedented increase in the number of TB patients who have been identified and treated. This number has risen from 36,000 in 2019 to over 50,000 in 2022,” she said.

Masebo said over the past five years, more than 90 percent of TB patients have been cured and similarly, 90 percent of people living with HIV have already received TB preventive treatment, which safeguards them from developing TB.

She said additionally, TB deaths have significantly declined from 115 per 100,000 people in 2015 to 40 per 100,000 in 2021 and these encouraging statistics suggest that the goal of ending TB in Zambia by 2030 is an attainable reality.

“We have recruited and stationed more than 12,000 healthcare workers in diverse health facilities across the country, with a specific focus on rural regions, Masebo said.

Contributed by Augustine Sichula

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