Ghana Faces Challenges in Meeting WHO’s 2030 TB Eradication Target
An estimated 25,000 people in Ghana are living with undiagnosed tuberculosis, hindering the country’s efforts to meet the World Health Organisation’s target of ending TB as a public health challenge by 2030. According to Dr. Rita Patricia Frimpong Amenyo, Deputy Programme Manager of the National TB Control Programme, Ghana is expected to record 44,000 TB cases annually, but as of October 2025, only 17,000 cases had been reported.
The country is likely to record around 20,000 TB cases by the end of the year, falling short of the annual target. This discrepancy suggests that many people are living with TB without knowing it, which can lead to continued transmission, delayed treatment, and the development of drug-resistant TB. Dr. Amenyo emphasized that TB can affect various parts of the body, including the spine, joints, and reproductive organs, making diagnosis more challenging when patients seek medical attention late.
Dr. Amenyo appealed for increased funding, improved diagnostic capacity, and enhanced public education to enable the detection and cure of more TB cases. She advised the public to seek prompt medical attention if they experience symptoms such as persistent cough, fever, weight loss, or difficulty breathing, stressing that TB is preventable, treatable, and curable.
The Executive Director of the National TB Voice Network, Jerry Amoah-Larbi, expressed concern that despite being curable, TB claims around 10,000 lives annually in Ghana. He called on the government to increase investment in TB case detection and preventive therapy, particularly in the face of dwindling donor support.
TB is a contagious airborne disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, primarily affecting the lungs. It is spread through the air when people with pulmonary TB cough, sneeze, or spit. The disease can be prevented and treated, and early detection is crucial to preventing transmission and saving lives. The Ghanaian government’s efforts to address the TB challenge are critical to meeting the WHO’s 2030 target and promoting national development.
