Central Region makes significant progress in tackling tuberculosis

The Central Region of Ghana has achieved a significant reduction in tuberculosis (TB) loss to follow-up (LTFU) rates, thanks to a groundbreaking project led by renowned public health expert Dr. Jemima Silas.

Funded by the Global Fund, this initiative represents a major advance in the region’s ongoing fight against a critical health issue.

The Central Region has long struggled with an exceptionally high TB burden, reflected in a national prevalence rate of 290 cases per 100,000 people—four times higher than the World Health Organization’s estimates. This high incidence has placed Ghana among the 30 high-burden TB/HIV countries, with the Central Region particularly affected. The consequences include increased infectivity, economic hardship, and a rising death toll.

A pressing challenge has been the high rate of loss to follow-up, where patients discontinue their treatment, risking their own health and contributing to the spread of drug-resistant TB. Dr. Silas and her team of eight health officers undertook an ambitious eight-month project to address this issue. Their approach involved an extensive field survey that reached over 236,000 individuals to locate and re-engage TB patients who had stopped their treatment.

The project introduced several key interventions, including the deployment of TB mentors in every community to offer support and education, the reinstatement of directly observed therapy (DOT) where patients were visited at home to monitor medication intake, and enhanced communication through call reminders and verification of contact details. These efforts led to a notable decrease in the LTFU rate from 8.86% to just 2.11%.

Dr. Mrs. Akosua Sarpong, Director of the Central Regional Health Directorate, commended Dr. Silas for her leadership in taking up the project and achieving significant success. “Addressing loss to follow-up is crucial,” she said. “It has significant implications for patient health, including the risk of prolonged illness, drug resistance, and potential community outbreaks. This project has made a considerable impact in mitigating these issues.”

The success of this initiative has several important implications. Reducing LTFU not only improves individual patient outcomes but also helps prevent the spread of drug-resistant TB, a major challenge to public health. The project also offers economic benefits by lowering the costs associated with prolonged and resistant TB treatments, contributing to a more productive workforce and reduced healthcare expenses.

Moreover, the project highlights the value of community-based strategies. By involving local mentors and conducting home visits, the initiative has improved treatment adherence, reduced stigma, and increased awareness about TB. The successful strategies implemented in the Central Region offer a model that can be adapted and applied to other high-burden areas.