Health authorities in the Ashanti Region have expressed concern that the region continues to fall short of its estimated target for tuberculosis detection, as recorded TB cases rise.

In 2023, the health authorities aimed to detect 4,000 cases, but only 3,141 cases were identified.

“This shortfall has serious implications, as undiagnosed individuals unknowingly spread the disease, leading to increased infections, severe health complications, and even deaths,” explained Dr. Adomako Boateng, Ashanti Regional Director for Health Services.

Reflecting on the situation, he stressed that whenever there is such a gap in case detection, the consequences are severe. Many individuals, unaware that they have the disease, continue to spread it within their communities, increasing the risk of disabilities and fatalities.

The Ashanti Regional Health Directorate, in collaboration with the Asokore Mampong Municipal Health Directorate, joined the global community in commemorating World Tuberculosis (TB) Day on March 24.

The event was held under the theme, “YES! We Can End TB: Commit, Invest, Deliver,” emphasizing the need for dedication, funding, and action to eliminate TB by 2030.

Dr. Adomako Boateng highlighted the importance of evaluating progress towards TB eradication. He stated that World TB Day serves as a crucial moment to assess whether the health sector is on track to achieve its targets.

Providing an overview of TB cases in the Ashanti Region over the past four years, he noted that in 2021, a total of 2,120 cases were recorded. This increased to 2,866 in 2022. The trend continued in 2023, as the region recorded 3,141 cases, and in 2024, the figure further rose to 3,339 cases.

Dr. Boateng also emphasized the importance of addressing pediatric TB, which accounts for between 8 and 10 percent of total TB cases. In 2024, the number of recorded TB cases in children stood at 204, even though health officials had estimated that the figure should be between 251 and 314 cases.

He explained that this shortfall highlights the need for greater efforts to detect and treat TB in children.

He pointed out that pediatric TB presents differently from adult TB, making early detection and specialized treatment crucial. To bridge this gap, he called for increased investment, stronger commitment, and improved intervention strategies, aligning with the theme of this year’s World TB Day.

Project Coordinator for ORUM Institute Ghana, Gideon Okyere, underscored the importance of involving private health facilities in TB detection and management. He revealed that so far, 26 private facilities have been trained to identify TB cases and collect samples for laboratory testing.

He also reassured the public that TB screening, testing, and treatment are completely free, emphasizing that financial constraints should not deter anyone from seeking medical attention.

“From the moment an individual undergoes screening to the completion of their treatment, there is absolutely no cost involved,” he said. He further stressed that TB is a disease that can be transmitted but is also completely curable, urging everyone to get tested and seek treatment if needed.

The event served as a reminder of the urgent need for commitment, investment, and collective action in the fight against TB.

Health officials reiterated that early detection and treatment are crucial in preventing the spread of the disease and reducing TB-related deaths. They encouraged the public to take advantage of free screening and treatment services and to support awareness efforts to ensure that no one is left undiagnosed or untreated.

As the Ashanti Region continues its efforts to eliminate TB, the health directorate remains dedicated to strengthening interventions, increasing public awareness, and mobilizing resources to meet its targets. By working together and taking decisive action, the goal of ending TB by 2030 remains achievable.