By Davis Joel Ddungu
The Ministry of Health has reported a concerning increase in tuberculosis (TB) cases among children in Uganda, with many failing to access or complete treatment.
The report made by the Uganda Ministry of Health highlights a growing challenge in combating TB among young populations, revealing that 12% of all TB notifications, equating to 10,704 cases, involve children aged 0-14 years—below the national target of 15%.
Of the identified cases, 76% began treatment, with the highest numbers from regions such as Karamoja (23%), Bunyoro (18%), and West Nile (16%). However, access to TB care remains uneven across districts, with South Central Uganda reporting the lowest identification rates at 7%.
The report, presented by Dr. Henry Luzze, acting commissioner of the National Tuberculosis and Leprosy Program, during the 7th National TB and Leprosy Conference held at Speke Resort Munyonyo, also shed light on districts with TB incidences exceeding the national average of 198 per 100,000 people.
Sixty districts were identified as having higher-than-average TB prevalence. Uganda has 135 districts including the capital city of Kampala.
Treatment Gaps and Drug Resistance
Dr. Luzze emphasized that while Uganda’s TB treatment success rate slightly improved from 88% to 89%, challenges persist. Drug-resistant TB treatment coverage increased significantly from 51% to 66% within three years, but the rise in resistance, particularly among children (6%), is alarming. Contributing factors include incomplete medication adherence, limited case detection, and low retention rates.
Amuru District was highlighted as an area of concern, with only 33% of patients retained in care. Dr. Luzze recommended strengthening laboratory capacity, addressing stigma and discrimination, improving data quality, and expanding access to services.
Leprosy Trends
The report also noted a decrease in leprosy cases, from 489 in FY2022/2023 to 307 in FY2023/2024. Despite the overall decline, the proportion of child patients rose to 15% from 13% the previous year.
Government Response
Health Minister Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng Ocero acknowledged the alarming TB and leprosy numbers, pledging government efforts to upgrade health facilities and enhance services.
Prime Minister Robina Nabbanja urged stakeholders to intensify efforts and called for prioritizing TB and leprosy patients in national development programs such as the Parish Development Model and Emyooga.
The Ministry of Health’s report underscores the urgent need for coordinated interventions to curb TB and leprosy, focusing on improving treatment access, retention, and awareness to achieve national health targets.