World Tuberculosis Day observed annually on March 24, amplifies the urgency of ending tuberculosis—the world’s deadliest infectious disease. TB continues to devastate millions globally, inflicting severe health, social, and economic consequences. This year’s theme, Yes! We Can End TB: Commit, Invest, and Deliver is a bold call for hope, urgency, and accountability.
Nicolas Quarcoo, a 53-year-old tuberculosis patient, is dependent on oxygen. He has been abandoned by his family due to his illness, which is a result of excessive drinking and smoking. Currently, he is being supported by benevolent individuals.
“I have been here for the past 6 months now due to the tuberculosis infection. I used to excessively drink and smoke upon doctors persistently warning me to desist from such lifestyle. The doctor cautioned me to take care, and if not, I will destroy my life,” he recounted.
Last year, the Ghana Health Service, along with the Ministry of Health and the National Tuberculosis Control Programme, celebrated World TB Day. Former Minister of Health, Mr. Alex Segbefia, stated that approximately 76,000 Ghanaians suffer from tuberculosis (TB), resulting in over 9,700 deaths annually. Dr. Yayira Klinogo, a senior doctor at the Chest Clinic at Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, rejected the use of herbal remedies for TB treatment and urged the government to enhance support for the clinic.
“Research has it that, there are particular antibiotic which has been discovered in proving to be effective in the treatment of tuberculosis. Herbal drugs are not only of the remedies used to treat tuberculosis. We know that there gabs, but that is why there is Civil Society Organization and private sectors to collaborate with government to increase awareness,” she warned.
The commemoration began in 1882 when Dr. Robert Koch revealed the cause of tuberculosis, the TB bacillus, at the University of Berlin’s Institute of Hygiene. Dr. Sylvester Owusu Amoako from the chest clinic urged patients to recognize symptoms early for effective treatment and called on Ghanaians to stop stigmatizing the disease.
“We need to go out there and talk to people and sensitize them about TB. We need to make sure that our new borns are vaccinated with the BCG vaccines. We need to minimize overcrowding in our market places and decongest slums, so as to combat tuberculosis in the country,” he mentioned.
Mr Nicolas Quarcoo called on the government to come to their side and support such patients like himself, appreciating the good work done by the health workers at the unit
“I don’t have any family, these health workers are my family members. They have been helpful to me. The government should come to our rescue. We need more oxygen and financial support. The president should also assist the unit in whichever way possible,” he called on government.
Ending HIV and TB is not merely a health goal—it is a fight for justice, dignity, and a healthier and fairer world for all. When we unite, invest, and act with purpose, we save lives.
By Andy Oppong Dankyi.
