Since 2015, lives of over 560,0000 Ugandans have been saved through diagnosis and treatment, according to the Ministry of Health. This achievement is largely attributed government and its partners and stakeholders, such as the Global Fund among others who have been resilient in their commitment towards eliminating TB.

On the flipside, according to the Ministry of Health, it is estimated that over 240 Ugandans fall ill of TB every day and about 30 of them die daily. There remains a lot to be done to reduce and or eliminate the number of illnesses and deaths that occur due to TB.

Uganda commemorated the World TB Day this week on Wednesday 27th in Kikagate Town Council in Isingiro District. Organised by the Ministry of Health and its partners, the event was attended by the Minister of State for Luwero-Rwenzori, Hon. Alice Kaboyo represented the Rt. Hon. Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja. Also present at the event was the World Health Organisation Country Representative for Uganda, Dr Yonas Tegegn Woldemariam, the Director General of Health Services, Dr Henry Mwebesa and the Assistant Commissioner National Tuberculosis and Leprosy Control at Ministry of Health Dr Stavia Turyahabwe who received a plaque in recognition of her contribution towards shifting the paradigm in the fight against TB in Uganda.

Earlier Dr Turyahabwe thanked front line health workers who have soldiered on to save lives of Ugandans. She also thanked thank those who are out there in the field offering a service as part of the CAST+ (Community, Awareness, Screening and Testing). In conclusion, she thanked the Ministry of Health leadership and all staff for the support to the TB leprosy response.