By Grace Q. Bryant
The National Tuberculosis (TB) Program of the Liberian government is intensifying efforts to eliminate the disease in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Speaking on ELBC Radio, the National Leprosy and Tuberculosis Control Program Manager, Rufus Saye, emphasized that the program aims to reduce TB-related deaths, minimize transmission, and ensure free treatment nationwide.
According to Saye, the National TB Program operates under a structured framework, with a program manager supported by deputies overseeing administration and interventions. This structure ensures that TB initiatives align with government policies and international health strategies.
“The ultimate goal is to see a Liberia free of TB. Our efforts focus on reducing TB-related deaths and lowering incidence rates through policy enforcement, improved diagnosis, and strategic community engagement,” he stated.
Tuberculosis is a bacterial infection that primarily affects the lungs and spreads through airborne particles when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
The risk of infection depends on several factors, including immune system strength, lifestyle choices such as smoking and drug abuse, and underlying health conditions like HIV. Research indicates that about 10% of individuals exposed to TB bacteria may develop active TB within their lifetime, with immune-compromised individuals—especially those with HIV—at a higher risk.
Saye stressed that TB is curable with proper treatment. However, self-medication and incomplete treatment regimens have led to rising cases of drug-resistant TB.
“We have specialized treatment centers in Maryland County and GP Annex to manage drug- resistant TB. One of the biggest challenges is self-medication. Many people take antibiotics without proper diagnosis, leading to drug resistance and complicating treatment,” he noted.
He added that the government is expanding TB treatment facilities to decentralize care, ensuring better access to diagnosis and medication in more communities.
According to him, TB manifests in two forms including Pulmonary TB (affecting the lungs) and Extra-pulmonary TB (affecting other organs).
He added that the common symptoms include: persistent cough lasting more than two weeks, chest pain and coughing up blood , unexplained weight loss and fatigue and night sweats and fever.
He urged individuals experiencing these symptoms to seek immediate medical attention, as early diagnosis significantly improves treatment outcomes.
He disclosed that the National TB Program is prioritizing community-based strategies, including contact tracing and preventive therapy for high-risk individuals, particularly children under five.
“When a TB patient is identified, we conduct household screenings to detect and prevent further infections. Close contacts, especially young children, receive TB preventive therapy to reduce their risk of developing active TB,” he said.
He emphasized that TB patients should not be stigmatized. Those on effective treatment for at least two weeks have a significantly lower risk of transmission.
Patients are also encouraged to wear masks during the initial treatment phase and practice good hygiene.
“To improve public awareness, the government continues to promote education campaigns, urging people to seek care at designated health facilities where TB diagnosis and treatment are free,” he said.
He emphasized that TB remains a major public health concern in Liberia. Each year, around 16,000 people develop active TB, but only 7,000 cases are officially diagnosed, highlighting a significant detection gap.
“Diagnosing all cases of TB is critical. People accessing healthcare and completing their treatment remains a challenge. To eliminate TB, we must strengthen detection, awareness, and treatment adherence,” he added.
He noted that TB is primarily a human-to-human disease, but bovine TB, which affects cattle, can also spread to humans. “Farmers and livestock handlers must be aware of the risks and ensure their animals receive proper care.”
“TB treatment lasts six months for drug-susceptible TB and over a year for drug-resistant TB. However, Liberia’s Ministry of Health is introducing shorter treatment regimens to improve patient compliance and recovery rates,” he disclosed.
“For drug-susceptible TB, we are moving from a six-month regimen to a four-month treatment. For drug-resistant TB, we are introducing a six-month regimen instead of the previous one-year treatment. These changes will improve patient adherence and outcomes,” he said.
Stigma remains a major barrier to TB control in Liberia. Many individuals with TB face discrimination, discouraging them from seeking diagnosis and treatment.
“There is a misconception that TB is a death sentence, but that is not true,” said a health worker. “With proper treatment, TB is curable. There is no need to stigmatize those affected.”
To address stigma, the Ministry of Health is launching awareness campaigns, including community outreach programs and radio broadcasts, to educate the public and encourage TB patients to seek medical care.
He disclosed that on March 24, Liberia will observe World TB Day to commemorate discovery of the TB bacteria. The event aims to raise awareness and promote TB screening and treatment.
“As part of the event, we will conduct systematic TB screenings at health facilities, host talk shows on local radio stations, and organize a public parade to highlight the importance of TB prevention and treatment,” he added.
Saye is calling on civil society organizations, communities, and international partners to join the fight against TB.
He stressed that eliminating TB by 2030, in line with global health goals, requires collective action, increased funding, and public participation.
“Ending TB in Liberia is possible. But it will take a nationwide effort to diagnose cases, provide treatment, and eliminate stigma,” he concluded.
