By Rachel Kakraba
In busy markets, crowded streets, quiet classrooms and boardrooms, tuberculosis (TB) continues to spread silently, often going unnoticed until it affects vital organs such as the lungs. Each year, thousands begin an invisible battle against a disease that still carries stigma, fear and misunderstanding, despite being preventable and curable.
About TB
Tuberculosis is caused by bacteria that most often affect the lungs. It spreads through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes or spits. Globally, TB remains the leading cause of death from a single infectious agent and is among the top 10 causes of death worldwide.
World TB Day
Each year on March 24, the world commemorates World TB Day to raise awareness about the health, social and economic impact of tuberculosis and to intensify efforts to end the epidemic. The date marks the discovery of the TB bacterium in 1882 by Robert Koch.
This year’s theme is “Yes! We Can End TB: Led by Countries, Powered by People.”
TB situation in Ghana
Data from the National TB Control Programme show that between January and October 2025, Ghana recorded more than 17,000 TB cases, with men most affected. About 700 children were also diagnosed during the same period, representing 4.2% of cases.
Programme Manager of the National TB Control Programme, Bernard Ziem, said everyone is at risk of infection.
“It’s a droplet infection. Once you can breathe in and out, you are at risk if you are exposed to someone who has it. Many people carry it in a latent form, and some will develop active TB over time,” he explained.
Physician Specialist at the Greater Accra Regional Hospital, Woedem Tettey, encouraged early screening, noting that early diagnosis helps prevent complications.
Survivors’ stories
For many survivors, the journey from diagnosis to recovery is marked by fear, stigma and resilience.
Alhassan Musah said his illness was initially mistaken for malaria.
“I later started vomiting blood. After several hospital visits, I was diagnosed with TB, and later drug-resistant TB, which made treatment difficult. I faced stigma and was even ejected from home. It took me two years to fully recover,” he said.
Bridget, who was diagnosed at age 14, also recounted experiences of discrimination.
“Sometimes health workers avoided me after seeing my test results. It was painful,” she said.
Another survivor, Morrison, said he initially sought spiritual intervention before turning to medical treatment, which eventually led to his recovery. He called for increased public education on TB.
Stigma and discrimination
Survivors say stigma remains a major challenge, even within health facilities. Dr Tettey attributed this to ignorance, while Dr Ziem urged affected persons to report discrimination.
“When you feel stigmatised or discriminated against, use available platforms to report it,” he said.
Gaps in case detection
Jerry Larbi, National Coordinator of the Ghana TB Voice Network, warned that gaps in case detection remain a concern, estimating that about 25,000 cases may be undetected.
He called on the government to increase investment in TB prevention and expand access to TB preventive therapy.
Prevention tips
Dr Tettey advised the public to observe proper cough etiquette, including covering the mouth when coughing and seeking medical attention when symptoms such as persistent cough, weight loss or night sweats occur.
“TB is curable with proper treatment. If you adhere to medication, you can recover fully,” he said.
Conclusion
TB remains a major public health concern, but testing, diagnosis and treatment are free in Ghana. Health experts are urging the public to seek early care and support efforts to eliminate the disease.
As the global campaign emphasises, “Yes! We Can End TB: Led by Countries, Powered by People.”
