Deputy Minister of Health Urges Traditional Leaders to Support TB, Leprosy Volunteers

Malawi - The Deputy Minister of Health, Halima Alima Daudi, has called on traditional leaders to support Tuberculosis (TB) and Leprosy volunteers in their areas of jurisdiction in the fight against these diseases, writes Wezzie Mwangonde.

Daudi made this appeal today during the 2023 World TB and Leprosy Commemoration Day, held at Kamphata Primary School under Traditional Authority Mkanda in Mchinji district.

Daudi stressed the important role played by the volunteers in the fight against TB and Leprosy, stating that they operate at the community level where patients are found.

She emphasized the need for traditional leaders to support these volunteers in raising awareness about these diseases.

"Sputum collection and door-to-door visits are done by these volunteers, who are always committed to their work. I would like to urge traditional leaders to support these volunteers," she said.

According to Traditional Authority Mkanda, as traditional leaders, they are committed to supporting all health interventions, including those related to TB and leprosy, for the betterment of their communities.

This year's TB and Leprosy Commemoration Day, hosted by their district, has reminded them of their role in fighting against these diseases.

"We are very ready to support these volunteers because we have a role in fighting against TB and leprosy," said Traditional Authority Mkanda.

Ishmael Nyasulu, the WHO representative, commended health personnel, volunteers, and other partners who are supporting the fight against TB and leprosy, stating that it has contributed to the reduction of cases and successes in treatment and care.

However, Nyasulu also highlighted the need to address the challenges in TB cases and leprosy detection.

"There is a reduction in the number of cases because all cases that are found are given attention, thereby contributing to the success rate in treatment and care, but we need to check challenges on case detection," he explained.

Reports indicate that Malawi has registered a reduction in the number of people suffering from TB, from 338 people per 100,000 population in 2010 to 132 people per 100,000 in 2021, representing a 61% reduction over an 11-year period.

However, Leprosy incidence has increased to 372 per 1000 population by 2022, with grade 2 disability representing 36%.