Massive TB Awareness Results in Decreased Spread of Disease in Rumphi District
The Mchenga Two Sputum Collection Point attributes the decline in TB cases in Rumphi District to extensive awareness efforts.
RUMPHI, Malawi – The Mchenga Two Sputum Collection Point has identified the extensive awareness campaigns on tuberculosis (TB) as the key factor behind the significant decrease in the spread of the disease in Jalawe, Rumphi District, writes Meclina Chirwa.
Henderson Maduna Mkandawire, Chairperson of the grouping, highlighted that since 2019, the area has not reported any new TB cases.
In 2019, only three cases were recorded, marking a milestone in the fight against TB.
"We are doing a great job. Apart from the three cases registered in 2019, we haven't had any other cases due to the massive awareness campaigns conducted in the area," stated Mkandawire.
"Our strong working relationship with traditional leaders and health workers serves as a big motivation for us. Despite the challenges, we remain committed to fighting TB in our community."
Community TB volunteers have played a vital role in the ongoing battle against TB in Malawi.
However, TB case management has faced numerous challenges over the years, despite efforts from the Malawi Government and donors.
Sample tracking, patient follow-up, and drug management have been identified as key challenges in managing TB cases.
To address these issues, there is a need to enhance resources and strengthen human capacity in TB registration sites.
Dr. Lissy Khonje, the Medical Officer and TB Clinician for Rumphi District Hospital acknowledged the progress made but highlighted the lack of human resources as a major challenge affecting the fight against TB in the district.
Inadequate TB registration sites also hinder efforts to identify and treat cases promptly.
"We are making strides, although we still face a number of challenges. We need to scale up registration sites and bolster human resources to increase case finding," explained Dr. Khonje.
"Volunteers manage the community sputum collection points, but they lack adequate resources, which is another setback."
Despite the obstacles, Rumphi District Hospital has achieved an 81% treatment success rate and aims to reach the national target of 90% treatment success.
The hospital, serving a catchment area of 450,000 people, registered 78 TB cases in 2022.
Recognising the limited access to healthcare facilities for TB screening due to long distances, the National TB and Leprosy Elimination Programme started engaging community volunteers.
This community engagement has resulted in an increased number of people being screened and receiving treatment upon diagnosis.
The incidence of TB in Malawi stands at 141 cases per 100,000 people, indicating the ongoing need for robust efforts to combat the disease and ensure the well-being of communities across the country.