Ugandan Ministry of Health and a team of TB researchers, including Achilles Katamba from the World Alliance for Lung and Intensive Care Medicine in Uganda (WALIMU), conducted a study to address the challenges of tuberculosis (TB) in Uganda. The study has led to recommendations aimed at improving TB detection, treatment, and prevention.
One key finding from their investigation is that some individuals infected with TB do not exhibit any symptoms and thus unknowingly continue to spread the infection.
At the same time, some individuals who do experience TB symptoms might avoid seeking healthcare due to the fear of stigma or ridicule associated with the disease.
As a result, the joint study’s recommendations emphasize the integration of TB screening into various healthcare services, such as antenatal care or other hospital visits.
By incorporating TB screening into routine healthcare, it becomes possible to identify both symptomatic and asymptomatic cases early on. This strategy can help ensure that TB cases are detected and treated promptly, reducing the overall spread of the disease and its impact on individuals’ health, the researchers said.
The collaborative effort between the Ministry of Health and TB researchers highlights the importance of multidisciplinary approaches in tackling public health challenges.
By leveraging existing healthcare infrastructure and services, Uganda aims to enhance its TB prevention and treatment efforts and ultimately improve the overall health and well-being of its population.
The researchers conducted a study in Mpigi, Kampala, and Wakiso districts to address issues related to TB screening and care-seeking behavior. They found that participants suggested implementing TB screening in a manner similar to how people get their blood pressure checked during routine health care visits.
Currently, cases of TB are often detected at health facilities when individuals independently seek care after experiencing suspicious symptoms. This shift in approach aims to identify TB cases earlier and improve overall detection rates.
One of the key findings of the study was the negative attitude of health workers, which discouraged individuals from seeking TB care. Participants reported that health workers stigmatized them upon mentioning symptoms consistent with TB.
This issue highlights the need for sensitization and training of health workers to create a more supportive and empathetic environment for individuals seeking care.
The Ministry of Health is facing challenges related to a high number of newly infected TB cases each year and an increased threat of multi-drug resistant TB.
Community recommendations from the study include additional training for health workers, ensuring facilities are stocked with drugs that reduce TB drug side effects, providing nutritional supplements, and enhancing awareness about TB.
In 2022, over 94,000 Ugandans were identified to be living with TB due to community outreaches, revealing a higher number than initially estimated.
The National TB program recognizes that there are shortcomings in how care is integrated and acknowledges the significance of the community’s suggestions.
The study received funding of US$ 5.5 million from the Korean International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), which was collected through an Air-ticket solidarity levy.
This levy charges one dollar on every international flight ticket departing from Korea. The funding supports research on TB, malaria, and waterborne diseases.
Uganda is among the countries with a high burden of TB, with an annual incidence rate of 196 cases per 100,000 population and a substantial TB-HIV co-infection rate of 40%.
Despite some progress, experts express doubt that Uganda will achieve the 2030 target of eliminating TB as a public health concern. The next steps in the study involve synthesizing the findings and incorporating suggestions applicable to the national TB program to improve detection, treatment, and care for TB cases.