Kanifing, The Gambia – As the world marks World Tuberculosis (TB) Day 2025, Dr Nathan Bakyaita, WHO Representative to The Gambia, has issued a call for stronger collaboration, elevated funding, and courageous action to get rid of TB.
This 12 months’s theme, “YES! We Can End TB: Commit, Invest, and Deliver,” emphasizes the necessity for sustained commitment to form out the disease. Dr. Bakyaita confused out the importance of leveraging global momentum and building on The Gambia’s present TB control initiatives.
“We have made commendable strides, but TB remains a persistent threat, particularly to the most vulnerable in our communities,” Dr Bakyaita remarked. “While TB incidence in The Gambia has declined, the rising mortality rate is a stark reminder that we cannot afford complacency. We must act with urgency.”
The Gambia has made basic growth in TB prevention, diagnosis, and treatment, with beef up from the Ministry of Health and key partners. Health facilities across the country are now outfitted with immediate diagnostic tools love Gene-Xpert, enabling early and more correct detection. Free TB diagnosis and treatment bask in enhanced earn admission to, while sturdy knowledge programs bask in improved surveillance and response.
Despite these inclinations, challenges remain. Dr Bakyaita known as for enhanced disease surveillance, broader earn admission to to developed diagnostics and second-line medications, sustainable funding, continuous training for healthcare workers, stronger neighborhood engagement, and funding in innovative treatment ideas.
“A TB-free future is within reach, but only if we match our words with action,” he entreated. “We must commit to stronger health systems, invest in proven solutions, and work together to deliver real impact. This is our moment to turn the tide against TB.”
The press briefing, held at the National Leprosy & Tuberculosis Control Position of job in Kanifing, offered a platform for stakeholders to reaffirm their dedication to eradicating TB and guaranteeing that no one is left at the abet of within the wrestle against this preventable and curable disease.
For additional information, please contact:
Halle Abdullahi
Exterior Relations Officer – WHO Gambia
Electronic mail: halmohamed [at] who.int (halmohamed[at]who[dot]int)
