The Ministry of Health has intensified efforts in sensitization and mobilization of resources to achieve the ambitious goal of ending TB by 2030.

The 7th Annual Tuberculosis (TB) and Leprosy Stakeholders Conference brought together key stakeholders to discuss strategies to accelerate the fight against TB and leprosy in Uganda.

The conference that was co-hosted by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Ministry of Health kicked off on Wednesday, November 27, 2024, at Speke Resort Munyonyo under the theme Advancing Multisectoral and Multistakeholder Engagement and Accountability to End TB and Achieve Zero Leprosy in Uganda.

Speaking at the conference, the Minister of Health, Jane Ruth Aceng, emphasized the importance of investing in TB control as an investment in Uganda’s development.

She highlighted the need to identify and treat all TB patients within the next five years to achieve the 2030 target.

“We must achieve our target of ending TB by 2030. Let us identify everyone with TB and ensure they receive treatment within the next five years to end TB,” she said.

According to Aceng, although TB treatment is free, 53% of TB patients spend over 20% of their income on TB-related services.

Additionally, she acknowledged the challenges faced by TB patients, including the financial burden of treatment, and commended the dedication of healthcare workers and the support of international partners like WHO.

“It’s disturbing and embarrassing that Uganda remains among the 30 high TB-burden countries,’’ Aceng said.

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The Director of the Global Tuberculosis Programme of WHO, Dr. Tereza Kasaeva, shared the latest advancements in TB control, including the development of new, effective vaccines and updated WHO guidelines.

Kasaeva added that the disease is preventable and curable if one gets tested and starts on medication.

“Uganda should prepare for new, effective TB vaccines, updated WHO guidelines, research opportunities, and more as we strive to end the TB threat by 2030,” she stated.

She urged Uganda to prepare for these new tools and opportunities that are unfolding and expressed optimism about the future of TB control in Uganda.

The conference serves as a platform to share experiences, learn from best practices, and mobilize collective action to achieve a TB-free and leprosy-free Uganda while fostering strong partnerships and implementing innovative strategies.