In 2023, Ghana documented 19,000 cases of tuberculosis, marking a significant rise from the 16,500 cases reported in 2022 and preceding years, according to the National TB Control Programme of the Ghana Health Service.
Between 2014 and 2019, the country consistently recorded approximately 14,000 to 15,000 cases annually, falling short of the 44,000 cases anticipated to be identified each year.
Dr. Yaw Adusi-Poku, the manager of the National TB Control Programme (NTP), revealed that among the 19,000 cases reported, only 5% were children, failing to meet the World Health Organization’s (WHO) criteria, which suggests that 8 to 10% of diagnosed tuberculosis cases should involve children. This shortfall indicates the need for enhanced diagnosis efforts in Ghana.
Dr. Adusi-Poku shared these insights during a training session for journalists in Accra, organized by the Ghana National TB Voice Network (GNTBVN) under the Challenge Facility for Civil Society (CFCS) Round 12 grant. The purpose of the training was to equip journalists with the necessary tools and knowledge to monitor Ghana’s progress towards meeting the commitments and targets of the United Nations High-Level Meeting on Tuberculosis (UNHLM TB) 2023.
The increased number of tuberculosis cases in 2023 was attributed to the availability of Gene-Xpert machines and cartridges, essential for effective tuberculosis diagnosis. Additionally, interventions such as stool testing for children contributed to the identification of more cases during the period.
Dr. Adusi-Poku emphasized the importance of sustained support for tuberculosis diagnosis efforts, including the provision of cartridges, which are essential for testing. He highlighted the need for government, individuals, and institutions to contribute resources to address the challenge.
Furthermore, Dr. Adusi-Poku underscored the necessity of expanding access to Gene-Xpert machines, especially in districts where they are currently lacking. He advocated for improved sample transportation systems to reduce diagnostic delays.
In addition to government support, Samuel Hackman, the executive secretary of the Global Fund Country Coordinating Mechanism, called for domestic funding for tuberculosis interventions in Ghana. He emphasized the need to address procurement and financial laws hindering advanced purchases, likening the urgency required to address tuberculosis to that seen during the COVID-19 vaccine rollout.
Jerry Amoah-Larbi, the coordinator of the Ghana National TB Voice Network, emphasized the crucial role of the media in tuberculosis advocacy and awareness. He stated that the training aimed to enhance high-level advocacy, raise awareness, and promote activism to support the achievement of UNHLM TB 2023 targets and GC7 government co-financing commitments regarding Tuberculosis Preventive Treatment (TPT).
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