ZIMBABWE's TB INCIDENCE AND MORTALITY RATES ON THE DECLINE.

By Hamu Madzedze

Zimbabwe has been removed from the world's list of 30 countries with a tripled burden of TB, HIV and TB and Multi-Drug Resistant TB(MDR-TB).

Addressing participants at a project review meeting, Advocacy Communication and Social Mobilisation Officer in the Ministry of Health and Child Care, Andrew Nyambo said the country is now facing the challenge of MDR -TB and TB and HIV which is known as a double burden.

Mr Nyambo said the country has recorded a significant decline in TB incidence and mortality rates over the years which is an indicator that Zimbabwe is making progress in reducing TB cases and deaths.

"By 2025 as a country, we are aiming at reducing the incidence of all forms of TB by 80%, from the 242 cases per 100 000 recorded in 2015 to 48 cases per 100 000 in 2025 and also to reduce TB mortality by 80% from 40 deaths per 100 000 recorded in 2015 to 8 deaths per 100 000 by 2025", said Nyambo.

Nyambo added that the Ministry of Health and Child Care is working towards increasing treatment coverage of drug-resistant TB from 83% in 2019 to 90 % by 2025.

"We are also working towards increasing the treatment success rate of patients with drug-susceptible TB from 83% to 90% by 2025.

He also called on the media to play a crucial role in information dissemination of the disease and the programs being spearheaded in the country in addressing the TB burden.

Meanwhile, Stop TB Partnership Leader in Zimbabwe, Donald Dennis Tobaiwa said the private sector should be involved in the fight against TB through the provision of ideas, resources, and technical assistance.

"A collective partnership with the private sector will go a long way in achieving the country's goal of ending TB by 2030", said Mr Tobaiwa.

He also said more still needs to be done to ensure meaningful involvement of the private sector.

Tobaiwa added that there is a need to capitalise on the untapped potential of TB survivors to contribute to the fight against the disease.

"So far 663 TB survivors have been identified and they are being educated on their role in ending TB", he said.

Tuberculosis has remained one of the most infectious diseases and the leading cause of death globally. It is a global health concern which marred with misinformation and discrimination.