The ceremony was held at the NLTP Office next to the mortuary of Kanifing General Hospital. On 24th March, the global community observes World Tuberculosis Day to raise public awareness about the debilitating epidemic of tuberculosis and efforts to eliminate the disease. The theme for this year’s event is ‘Yes, We Can End TB; Commit, Invest, Deliver’
Welcoming the gathering, Marie Bass Gomez, programme manager, NLTP, said TB is a curative and preventable disease that still affects millions of people worldwide.
She described the theme of this year’s event as quite apt, as it reminds people of the urgent need for action, innovation and collaboration in their broader efforts against the disease.
Despite the remarkable progress in recent years, TB remains a major public health challenge, affecting individuals, families and communities. The National Leprosy and Tuberculosis Control Program (NLTP) remains committed to ensuring that we find, treat and eliminate TB in the country.
She spoke about the significant progress made in country in strengthening TB diagnosis, treatment and prevention. She however, acknowledged that much more needs to be done, which she said, requires collective efforts of all.
Dr. Abdou K. Sillah, Research Clinician at Medical Research Council Gambia and LSHTM, stated that World TB Day is designed to build public awareness about the global epidemic of TB and efforts to eliminate the disease.
He recalled that in 2023, 10.8 million people fell ill with the disease and sadly, 1.25 million died from the disease, mostly in low-and-middle income countries.
Dr. Sillah thus highlighted the need for commitment and political will from governments all over the world to invest resources in order to deliver proven WHO-recommended interventions such as early detection, diagnosis, preventive treatment and high-quality TB care particularly for drug resistant patients.
Dr. Momodou T. Nyassi, Director of Health Services on behalf of the minister, said the day serves as a reminder of the devastating impact of TB on individuals, families and communities worldwide.
"It is also a call to action that urges all to reaffirm our commitment, invest in the fight against TB, fulfil our promises to eradicate this disease."
Dr. Nyassi made reference to the theme of this year’s event, which he said, serves as both a challenge and rally cry as it highlights collective responsibility to take a decisive step towards eliminating the disease.
While the country has made progress over the years, Dr. Nyassi maintained that the road ahead demands unwavering commitment, increased investment and efficiency in health care delivery.
Ending TB, he observed, requires strong commitment of all stakeholders from governments, private sector and development partners and even communities, noting that there is need for strengthening policies that prioritise TB prevention, diagnosis and treatment.
He said health care workers, researchers and policymakers must collaborate to ensure that no one is left behind.
"Investment is very key and investing in TB control is not just a health priority, but also a moral and economic imperative"
Dr. Nyassi stated that there is need for increase in funding for research and innovation to develop greater diagnostic tools, vaccines and treatment. Resources should also be allocated to improve health care infrastructure, trained health care professionals and enhance public awareness campaigns.
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