Masaka Regional Referral Hospital is intensifying community screening for tuberculosis (TB) in response to a persistent rise in infections reported at the facility.
Dr. James Eriama, Medical Director at Masaka Hospital, has expressed concern over an unusual surge in TB cases among the general patient population.
In addition to patients already enrolled in treatment programs, the hospital is identifying at least six new TB cases daily from wards across the facility.
“There is a significant amount of TB in the community. In fact, we are diagnosing five to six new cases every week, which is concerning for this region. This indicates that we are not effectively screening for TB or addressing the cases already present in the community. TB is treatable, and when we screen and diagnose it, we ensure treatment is provided. The more we expand screening and treatment, the more cases we will identify, ultimately bringing us closer to eliminating TB,” said Dr. Eriama.
Dr. Eriama emphasizes that these figures indicate a larger, unaddressed infection burden within the community, which poses a significant threat due to unchecked transmission.
To address the issue, the hospital has expanded its screening services both within its premises and in surrounding communities to detect and manage infections promptly.
The hospital has collaborated with District Health Officers across the greater Masaka sub-region, urging health workers to prioritize TB screening during patient consultations.
In the greater Masaka sub-region health workers have been screening frequently in the region, and the region has a Ministry of Health mobile TB vehicle, that is basically for screening in the communities, and then enrollment for treatment. “We don’t only screen. We also enroll for treatment when we get you positive.”
“We conduct screenings both at health facilities and within communities. Recently, we screened residents in Kasensero as part of our community outreach efforts. At the same time, we also emphasize screening at health facilities to ensure comprehensive coverage. We want to remind health workers not to overlook TB. If a patient presents with unexplained fevers or a persistent cough, please refer them for TB screening,” said Dr. Eriama.
“Screening should be as frequent as possible. Whenever the opportunity arises, screening must be prioritized because TB is an infectious disease. It requires consistent monitoring. Similarly, non-communicable diseases (NCDs), particularly those linked to lifestyle factors, should also be screened mandatorily,” he added.
Additionally, in partnership with the Ministry of Health’s regional TB and Leprosy Control Program Coordination team, they are mapping high-risk areas, including densely populated slums and landing sites. Spontaneous screenings in these areas aim to facilitate early detection and treatment.
Dr. Eriama calls on the public to remain vigilant about TB symptoms and seek medical attention promptly to avoid complications.
Elizabeth Nyirazihaawe, Supervisor of the TB and Leprosy Control Program for the greater Masaka region, notes that the rise in TB infections has been evident since October last year. She attributes the increase partly to a disruption in interventions during a transition period.
She explains that when the Rakai Health Sciences Program (RHSP) phased out its operations and handed over to the US-funded Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) program, a temporary gap in drug supplies, screenings, and sensitization efforts left communities vulnerable.
Nyirazihaawe highlights the renewed efforts of stakeholders, including mass sensitization campaigns and the activation of Village Health Teams (VHTs) to trace contacts of confirmed cases. “These efforts bring hope that the situation will soon be under control,” she affirms.
The hospital and its partners continue to work tirelessly to combat the spread of TB in the region.
