By Steven Enatu
SOROTI
On Friday April 12, 2024, Journalists in Teso Sub Region were equipped on the critical issue of Tuberculosis (TB) and HIV co-infections.
The training that was organized by the Health Journalists Network Uganda aimed to shed light on the challenges faced by the region in addressing this pressing public health concern.
Globally, Uganda stands among the 30 countries burdened with high rates of TB/HIV co-infections.
Every year, approximately 90,000 people in Uganda fall ill due to TB, with 15% of patients being children under 14 years old and 32% being TB-HIV co-infected. While TB case notifications have increased nationally, Teso faces a decline in case detection, attributed to missed opportunities, poor health-seeking behaviors, and lack of public awareness.
In the Teso Sub region, the report by the AIDS Information Centre (AIC) indicates that poor health-seeking behavior among men is a primary factor contributing to lower treatment rates compared to women.
Statistics reveal a concerning trend in the prevalence of TB among different demographics. Men are disproportionately affected, accounting for 56% of cases, followed by women at 33%, and children under 5 years old at 11%.
While training the journalists, Gerald Ochieng TB Advisor Aids Information Centre highlighted the alarming issue of missing data in TB registers within Teso’s healthcare facilities. This gap in surveillance and patient characterization is hindering effective TB treatment and management.
According to the statistics Ochieng released to Journalists on Friday, only 61% of symptomatic individuals seek care, with a majority accessing public facilities. However, appropriate TB investigations are provided to a mere 16.3% of cases in these facilities.
In a region with a population of 2.5 million people, Teso is equipped with sufficient diagnostic capacity. However, there remains a crucial need to strengthen the connection between TB and HIV services. HIV testing must be readily available and free of charge in all healthcare facilities to facilitate early detection and treatment.
He called for enhanced capacity of health workers to manage TB cases.
He also added that community engagement and awareness campaigns are essential to dispel misconceptions and encourage individuals to seek timely medical attention.
“Addressing the socio-economic factors associated with TB transmission is crucial. Additionally, prevention strategies must be reinforced, emphasizing the importance of infection control measures and adherence to treatment regimens,” Mr. Ochieng stated.
Abdallah Ochoggia, Advocacy and Communications Specialist at Aids Information Centre noted that, recognizing the socio-economic impact of TB, there is need for social protection measures to be implemented, including the provision of monthly food support to diagnosed individuals.
In light of these challenges, concerted efforts are needed from all stakeholders to combat TB and HIV co-infections effectively. With targeted interventions and a commitment to improving healthcare access and awareness, Teso can strive towards a healthier future for its residents.
