Uganda commemorates World TB day, Minister Aceng mentions Karamoja as most affected region

By Ben Musanje

24^th March 2021

Karamoja region is ten times more prevalent of Tuberculosis cases than the national prevalence, the Minister for Health Dr Jane Ruth Aceng has disclosed.

Dr. Aceng said this while officiating at the national commemoration event for the World TB and Leprosy Day at Boma Grounds in Moroto District today under the theme: “TB to complete treatment and Beat Leprosy; End Stigma and Advocate for Mental Well-being”.

More than 90,000 Ugandans get infected with TB annually with 1500 of the patients become drug resistant and 15600 death registered every year due to the disease putting Uganda among the 30 high burdened tuberculosis and HIV diseases.

Dr Aceng says that treatment success rate was registered below 50 percent prior to the emergency response declared in November 2019 though there is a progressive improvement to about 80% among those starting treatment up to its completion.

She however says that Karamoja is now prioritized in the fight of combating TB by urging health officials in the region to supervise the programs and ensuring there is sustainability in service deliverance.