20 Zambians die weekly from tuberculosis, health minister reveals

Health authorities have reported that approximately 60,000 Zambians contract Tuberculosis (TB) each year, with 12,000 of these cases remaining untreated.

Minister of Health, Dr. Elijah Muchima, revealed that in 2024, the Ministry successfully identified and treated 48,000 TB cases.

However, he expressed concern that the 12,000 untreated individuals were contributing to the ongoing transmission of the disease.

Muchima, in a speech read on his behalf by Dr. Kennedy Lishimpi, the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary for Technical Services, made these remarks during the World TB Day commemoration at Chawama Grounds in Lusaka on Monday.

“Approximately 5,000 Zambians die from TB annually, equating to 20 deaths per week,” Muchima stated. He urged citizens to take proactive steps in seeking TB-related healthcare to reduce avoidable deaths.

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The event was also attended by World Health Organization (WHO) representative, Dr. Laston Chitembo, who commended the efforts of healthcare workers, civil society, the media, and other stakeholders in combating TB.

However, Chitembo cautioned that progress made in reducing TB could face setbacks if international aid for TB programs declines.

He emphasized that the theme for this year’s World TB Day, “Yes! We Can End TB. Commit, Invest, Deliver,” highlights the importance of continued commitment and investment in the global fight against the disease.

Chitembo noted that globally, TB remained the leading cause of death, affecting over 10 million people each year.

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