60,000 Zambians Contract Tuberculosis Annually, Says Health Minister Muchima
Minister of Health, Dr. Elijah Muchima, has revealed
that approximately 60,000 Zambians contract Tuberculosis (TB) each year,
marking a serious health concern for the nation.
In
a speech delivered on his behalf by the Permanent Secretary for Technical
Services, Dr. Kennedy Lishimpi, during the World TB Day commemoration at
Chawama Grounds in Lusaka, Dr. Muchima disclosed that in 2024, the Ministry of
Health successfully identified and treated 48,000 TB cases.
However,
he expressed deep concern that around 12,000 individuals with the disease
remain undiagnosed and untreated. These untreated cases, he warned, are
contributing to the continued spread of TB in communities across the country.
"These
untreated cases are a significant concern. We need to locate and treat them
swiftly to curb the spread and prevent unnecessary deaths," Dr. Muchima
stated.
The
Health Minister also highlighted the tragic reality that approximately 5,000 Zambians
lose their lives to TB annually, which equates to roughly 20 deaths every week.
Dr.
Muchima called on all citizens to actively seek health services related to TB,
emphasizing that it is a preventable and treatable disease. "We cannot
afford to lose any more lives to TB," he stressed.
The
World Health Organization (WHO) representative, Dr. Laston Chitembo, who also
attended the event, praised the efforts of healthcare workers, civil society,
the media, and all stakeholders involved in the fight against TB. He
acknowledged their dedication and tireless work, which has made significant
progress in addressing the epidemic.
However,
Dr. Chitembo issued a cautionary note, warning that the progress made in the
fight against TB could be undermined if international funding for health
programs like these decreases. "We must continue to be committed,
resilient, and resourceful in our efforts to combat this deadly disease,"
he urged.
Globally,
TB remains a major health threat, having affected over 10 million people
worldwide. It is still the leading cause of death from a single infectious
agent.
This
year’s World TB Day theme, "YES! WE CAN END TB. COMMIT, INVEST,
DELIVER," calls for continued commitment and investment in the battle to
eliminate TB and ensure that no one is left behind in the fight for a TB-free
world.
As
the government, health professionals, and communities continue to work
together, the hope is to dramatically reduce TB cases and fatalities in Zambia
and ultimately eradicate the disease for future generations.
By Samuel Mbewe - 24-03-25
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