As Ghana marks World Tuberculosis (TB) Day, Ms. Celestine Adzah, Chief Executive Officer of the Celestines Foundation, has urged stakeholders to prioritise community engagement in the battle against TB.
Speaking to the Ghana News Agency, Ms. Adzah stressed that effective TB control must extend beyond hospitals and clinics to homes, neighbourhoods, and local communities. She highlighted the role of grassroots awareness, early detection, and support networks in reducing the burden of the disease, particularly among vulnerable populations.
“Efforts to eliminate tuberculosis must be rooted in our communities, where awareness, early reporting, and adherence to treatment can be significantly improved,” she said, noting that misconceptions and stigma around TB often delay diagnosis and contribute to the spread of the disease.
Ms. Adzah called for public education campaigns tailored to local contexts, involving community leaders, teachers, and media outlets to disseminate accurate information about TB. She emphasised the need for families to recognise symptoms—persistent cough, chest pain, weight loss, fever, and night sweats—and to seek medical care promptly.
The CEO commended the Ghana Health Service for providing free TB diagnosis and treatment and urged stronger collaboration with civil society organisations to expand community outreach. She also highlighted the importance of support systems to ensure patients complete their treatment successfully.
“Community-driven responses are key to accelerating progress toward eliminating tuberculosis and safeguarding public health,” Ms. Adzah said.
World TB Day serves as a reminder of the shared responsibility required to end the disease and strengthen healthier communities nationwide.
