Ghana has made significant progress in the fight against tuberculosis (TB) in recent years. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the TB incidence rate in Ghana has declined from 110 per 100,000 population in 2010 to 65 per 100,000 population in 2020. The country is on track to achieve the WHO End TB Strategy targets of a 90% reduction in TB deaths and an 80% reduction in TB incidence by 2030. Ghana has implemented several interventions to control TB, including:
Strengthening TB diagnosis and treatment: Ghana has increased the availability of diagnostic tests for TB, such as GeneXpert and rapid molecular tests, and expanded access to TB treatment through the implementation of the directly observed treatment short course (DOTS) strategy.
Improving TB surveillance: Ghana has strengthened its TB surveillance system to monitor the incidence and prevalence of TB, as well as drug resistance.
Addressing TB/HIV co-infection: Ghana has implemented integrated TB/HIV services to ensure that people living with HIV receive TB screening, diagnosis, and treatment.
Engaging communities: Ghana has engaged communities in TB control efforts, including through community outreach and education programs.
However, despite these efforts, challenges remain in the fight against TB in Ghana. These include:
Limited resources: Ghana faces resource constraints in its efforts to control TB, including funding, trained healthcare workers, and diagnostic tools.
Stigma and discrimination: Stigma and discrimination towards people with TB and their families remain a challenge in Ghana, leading to delayed diagnosis and treatment.
TB drug resistance: Drug-resistant TB is a growing concern in Ghana, with an estimated 1,100 cases in 2019.
In summary, Ghana has made significant progress in the fight against TB, but challenges remain. Continued investment in TB control efforts and addressing the remaining challenges is crucial to achieve the goal of TB eradication in Ghana.
NELSON HUKPORTI
BSN, MPhil
