Tuberculosis (TB) diagnosis in Tanzania’s Kigoma Region now takes hours instead of days, allowing patients to start treatment sooner and reducing the risk of disease transmission.
The faster, more accurate testing is made possible by WHO-recommended molecular rapid diagnostic tools, including the GeneXpert 10-color machines, which are improving TB detection and patient outcomes across the region.
“These advanced machines allow us to expand services to more facilities so people can be tested quickly and start treatment without delay,” the Medical Officer in Charge at Maweni Regional Referral Hospital, Dr. Joseph Emmanuel Nangawe said.
The technologies are helping to strengthen TB and HIV services at the frontline, demonstrating the impact of investing in better diagnostic systems and improving access for communities.
Across the WHO African Region, TB remains one of the deadliest infectious diseases, claiming a life every 83 seconds. In 2024 alone, TB caused an estimated 378,000 deaths and 2.7 million infections. Tanzania is among the high TB burden countries, with roughly 118,000 infections and 23,500 deaths recorded in 2024.
Despite these challenges, the country has made significant progress, reducing TB deaths by 75% between 2015 and 2024 through expanded diagnostics, improved treatment, and community outreach.
Report says Community involvement remains critical as Civil society groups, health workers, and TB survivors are raising awareness, reducing stigma, and encouraging early testing and treatment.
Tausi Muhohoro, a TB survivor, said; “Tuberculosis can be treated, and people can fully recover. Support those showing symptoms to get checked at the nearest health facility.”
WHO continues to support Tanzania in closing gaps in TB diagnosis. New recommendations being introduced this year include easier testing methods, such as tongue swabs, and portable, affordable diagnostic tools to reach remote areas, according to Dr. Alex Gasasira, WHO Country Representative to Tanzania.
Prof. Mohamed Janabi, WHO Regional Director for Africa, added: “Yes, we can end TB: led by countries, powered by people.”
From laboratories in Kigoma to communities across the country, Tanzania is showing that progress against TB is possible with strong leadership, sustained investment, and active community involvement.
AP