The picture raising awareness of tuberculosis in Africa is a poignant reminder of the devastating impact this disease continues to have on the continent. As the world observes World Tuberculosis Day, it is crucial to recognize that Africa bears a disproportionate share of this burden, with more than 33% of deaths from the disease affecting the region.
Figures reported by the World Health Organization highlight the urgent need for action: around 2.5 million people fell ill with tuberculosis in Africa in 2022, leading to more than 424,000 deaths. Among vulnerable populations, children and adolescents are particularly at risk, their immune systems weakened by factors such as malnutrition, HIV and other chronic diseases.
It is clear that social determinants of health, such as poverty, inequality and lack of access to health care, play a crucial role in the prevalence of tuberculosis in Africa. However, Member States’ response to this disease remains largely underfunded, jeopardizing the health security of the continent.
The COVID-19 pandemic has also had a negative impact on the fight against tuberculosis, highlighting the importance of mobilizing additional resources to protect children and adolescents against this disease. Ending tuberculosis in Africa is not just a matter of science or politics, but requires collective will and concrete actions from all stakeholders involved.
In conclusion, there is an urgent need for Member States and partners to intensify their efforts to end TB in Africa by 2030. It is time to turn talk into action and ensure a comprehensive and effective response to eradicate this disease which continues to cause so much suffering and preventable deaths on the continent.
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