The Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research (NMIMR), in collaboration with key health institutions, marked World Tuberculosis (TB) Day 2025 with a three-day series of awareness and screening activities aimed at combating the disease. Observed annually on March 24, World TB Day highlights global efforts to eliminate TB and commemorates Dr. Robert Koch’s discovery of the TB-causing bacterium in 1882.
This year’s theme, “Yes! We Can End TB! Commit, Invest, Deliver,” emphasized the urgency of global action to eliminate TB. In 2023, the disease infected 10.8 million people and claimed 1.25 million lives worldwide. Through screenings, education, and outreach programs, NMIMR and its partners reaffirmed their commitment to curbing the disease in Ghana.
To promote early detection and treatment, NMIMR collaborated with the Chest Diseases and Diabetes Clinic at Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, the National Tuberculosis Control Program (NTP), the College of Health Sciences at the University of Ghana, Mamprobi Hospital, and Usher Hospital. Additionally, the PANGENS and DFG projects led a free TB screening exercise at Chorkor Galilea and Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital. Residents and hospital visitors took advantage of this initiative, bringing healthcare services closer to those who need them most.
The second day of the campaign focused on education. Health professionals engaged with the Korle-Bu community, teaching residents about TB symptoms, how the disease spreads, and available treatment options. Experts also addressed common misconceptions, including the belief that TB only affects specific groups of people.
“Stigma keeps people from seeking help. We want everyone to know that TB is treatable, and no one should feel ashamed about getting tested,” said Dr. Adwoa Asante-Poku, Senior Research Fellow, Department of Bacteriology, NMIMR.
To further support TB control efforts, residents were encouraged to fill out health questionnaires. The data collected will contribute to research aimed at improving strategies for early detection and intervention.
Representatives from NMIMR and the National Tuberculosis Control Program called for greater investment in healthcare infrastructure and public health initiatives to combat TB effectively. They emphasized that with sustained awareness, early detection, and community involvement, TB will be eradicated in Ghana.
A seminar at the Public Health Nursing School, Korle-Bu, brought together students, nurses, and healthcare professionals to discuss the future of TB control in Ghana. Facilitated by senior nurses from the Korle-Bu Chest Clinic, the session, “Understanding TB,” covered the importance of early diagnosis, available treatment options, and Ghana’s 2030 goal to eradicate TB. Participants actively engaged in discussions on increasing public awareness and ensuring accessible treatment for all. The session highlighted the role of young healthcare workers in sustaining Ghana’s fight against TB.
Participants shared ideas on increasing public awareness and ensuring accessible treatment. The discussion highlighted the role of young healthcare workers in sustaining Ghana’s fight against TB.
As part of the commemoration, The Church of Pentecost Home and Urban Missions donated medical supplies to the Korle-Bu Chest Clinic, supporting efforts to improve TB treatment.
Participants march through Accra’s streets during the TB awareness float, engaging the public in conversations about prevention and treatment
The campaign concluded with a vibrant TB awareness float, organized by NMIMR in collaboration with the Korle-Bu Chest Clinic. The float started at Korle-Bu and made its way through Accra’s streets, including James Town, Chorkor, and Mamprobi Hospital. Health professionals and volunteers distributed flyers, engaged with the public, and reinforced the message that ending TB requires everyone’s involvement.
Through awareness campaigns, free screenings, community engagement, and advocacy for increased investment, NMIMR and its partners have taken significant steps toward ending TB in Ghana. Their efforts align with the global movement to eradicate TB by 2030, ensuring a healthier future for all.