At the start of the year, the province of Tshopo in the Democratic Republic of Congo unfortunately recorded 251 deaths out of 6,974 cases of tuberculosis in 2022, according to the provincial coordination for the fight against tuberculosis and leprosy. This poignant figure highlights the persistence of this disease as a serious public health problem, requiring an urgent and coordinated response.
Faced with this alarming reality, the provincial authorities have set up a system to fight tuberculosis, offering completely free treatment in the 23 health zones of the province. A significant step forward that ensures access to care for all patients, including the most vulnerable populations.
Doctor Massou Owekelokato Basomboli, provincial coordinator for the fight against tuberculosis and leprosy, highlights the importance of vaccination of newborns as well as the progress made thanks to new technologies allowing more precise examinations, even for children from 0 at 14. This comprehensive and accessible approach demonstrates the commitment of local authorities to effectively fight tuberculosis.
At the national level, the results are just as worrying, with 4,352 deaths linked to tuberculosis in 2022. This figure calls into question the need to strengthen prevention, screening and treatment actions across the country, in order to reduce the burden of this disease and improve the health of populations.
Signs of tuberculosis, such as persistent cough, night sweats, fever, nausea and weight loss, should be taken seriously and not overlooked. Early and appropriate treatment can cure the disease, but it often requires care over a prolonged period, up to 18 months.
This year’s national theme, “Yes, together we can end tuberculosis in the DRC”, resonates as a call for collective action and solidarity. Faced with such a public health challenge, it is essential that all stakeholders, whether governmental, non-governmental or citizens, join forces to eradicate tuberculosis and guarantee a healthier future for all.
In a context where public health is more than ever at the heart of concerns, the fight against tuberculosis in the DRC illustrates the need to mobilize resources, skills and a common will to overcome health challenges and improve the quality of life of populations. . Together, let’s make the fight against tuberculosis a national priority and build a healthier future for all.