Govt intensifies fight against TB

Talent Gore

GOVERNMENT is implementing a number of strategies to fight tuberculosis (TB) in the country, including securing uninterrupted supply of anti-TB medicines.

In 2019 and 2020, there was a 26 percent decline in TB notification.

The proportion of childhood TB cases notified did not differ significantly, in those two years, although a 21 percent decline was recorded, from 1 173 in 2019 to 927 cases, in 2020.

Over the years, Zimbabwe has seen a significant reduction in incidents of TB.

In 2010, the burden or rate of new infections was as high as over 400 per 100 00 population.

But, over time, 10 years later, there has been a reduction in incidents to less than 200 per 100 000.

The Government’s approach to the fight against TB has seen the country coming up with a solid plan to transition out of the global top 30 countries heavily burdened with drug-sensitive TB.

Health and Child Care Deputy Minister, Dr John Mangwiro, recently said the country was striving to ensure availability of vital medicines at primary health care level.

He was speaking after receiving anti-TB medicines, worth US$100 000, from an Indian delegation, in Harare.

“Zimbabwe continues to work and cooperate with other member states to achieve the overall goal of ensuring availability of medicines.

“This includes 100 percent availability of essential medicines.

“This consignment will go a long way in fighting Tuberculosis in Zimbabwe.”

Head of the visiting Indian delegation, Vellamvelli Muraleedharan, who is also India’s Minister of State for External Affairs and Parliamentary Affairs, chronicled some of the areas of cooperation between Zimbabwe and India, including lines of credit extended to this country.

“These medicines will go a long way in fighting TB in Zimbabwe.

“Apart from this, we have extended lines of credit for the expansion of Hwange Power Station,” said Muraleedharan.