The Upper East Region recorded 794 tuberculosis cases in 2024, with 168 cases in the Bolgatanga Municipality, raising concerns among health officials despite medical advancements.
Seven people succumbed to tuberculosis in the region last year, including one death in Bolgatanga Municipality—down from three recorded in 2023.
Health experts stress the need for early detection, timely treatment, and public awareness to curb the disease’s spread.
Health officials call for vigilance
In line with World Tuberculosis Day, observed annually on Monday (24 March) under the theme “Yes! We Can End TB: Commit, Invest, and Deliver,” Bolgatanga Municipal Disease Control Officer Simon Effah Adjei urged increased vigilance in combating TB.
Speaking on Asaase News, Adjei explained that tuberculosis (TB), caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, primarily affects the lungs but can also spread to other organs. He outlined two main forms of the disease: pulmonary TB, which affects the lungs, and extrapulmonary TB, which impacts other parts of the body.
TB also exists in latent and active stages—while latent TB remains dormant and non-contagious, it can become active when the immune system weakens.
Despite available treatment, delayed medical intervention often leads to fatal outcomes. Adjei urged the public to seek medical attention at the first sign of symptoms, such as persistent coughing, chest pain, and unexplained weight loss.
“One of the biggest challenges is that people seek medical help too late, making survival difficult. Some even abandon treatment midway,” he lamented.
To expand testing and treatment, the Municipal Health Directorate has intensified community outreach efforts, reaching 19 out of over 80 communities in Bolgatanga Municipality this year alone.
Adjei noted that these efforts have been crucial in identifying positive cases and called for stronger community support and an end to stigmatisation.
Nutrition’s role in TB management
Municipal Nutrition Officer Aisha Adams emphasized the critical role of proper nutrition in managing and preventing TB. She explained that a strong immune system helps fight infections and speeds up recovery for TB patients.
“Nutrition plays a critical role in TB management,” she stated on A1 Radio.
Adams advised TB patients to consume a nutrient-rich diet, including proteins, essential vitamins (such as zinc and vitamin A), and healthy fats to boost energy and support recovery.
She also recommended avoiding fatty meats while consuming lean meats and fish, staying hydrated, and limiting salt and sugar intake, as these can slow the healing process.
“If patients adhere to proper nutrition, their recovery becomes faster,” she added.
With TB cases still high in the region, early detection, timely treatment, and proper nutrition remain key to reducing its impact. Health professionals continue to call on chiefs, community leaders, and families to support TB patients through education, screening initiatives, and healthy lifestyle advocacy.
Reporting by Mark Smith in the Upper East Region
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