Introduction

Lomé, Togo – January 2024 marked a turning point for 67-year-old Yao, a dedicated farmer from Agou, situated about 100 kilometers northwest of the capital city, Lomé. After enduring persistent chest pains and overwhelming fatigue for two weeks, Yao sought medical help, ultimately receiving the shocking diagnosis of tuberculosis (TB). "I was taken aback and devastated to learn that I had TB. I had been in pain, and I was desperate for a cure," he recounted.

The Prevalence of Tuberculosis in Togo

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Togo reported a TB prevalence rate of 30 cases per 100,000 people in 2023, a major public health concern. In response, the Togolese government has rolled out numerous initiatives to combat this life-threatening disease. Professor Abdou Gafarou Gbadamassi, Coordinator of Togo’s National Tuberculosis Control Programme (PNLT), emphasized, “We are seeing progress due to several combined interventions that prioritize case-finding, early detection, and effective patient treatment.

Advancements in Early Detection

A significant advancement in early TB detection has been the expansion of GeneXpert machines, which allow for rapid testing of sputum samples. Recognized by the WHO as a leading diagnostic tool, Togo has nearly quadrupled its capacity, going from just 15 GeneXpert machines in 2020 to 52 locations in recent years. “This improvement has slashed the time for early case detection from 72 to just 24 hours,” Professor Gbadamassi noted, bringing the nation closer to TB eradication.

Community Involvement

The fight against TB also heavily relies on community involvement—from patient-centered treatment initiatives to providing free healthcare for all TB cases and nutritional support for vulnerable individuals. Yao reflects on the treatment he received at the Prefectural Hospital Centre (CHP) of Agou, which facilitated his rapid access to medication. Although the initial stages were grueling due to side effects, he regained his health and was declared TB-free after several months of treatment. "The medication made me feel weak at first, but after my check-ups, I was relieved to hear I was cured. The fear of the disease almost consumed me!" he shared.

Proactive Initiatives

In a groundbreaking initiative launched in June 2022, the “FAST” strategy focused on active TB case research in the Agoè Nyivè and Golfe districts enabled the detection of nearly 10,000 new TB patients from 2022 to 2024, significantly surpassing previous numbers from 2020 and 2021. This proactive approach has been bolstered by an investigative project aimed at eliminating TB across Africa, which identified contagious patients and offered preventive treatment in 35 diagnostic and treatment centers. This initiative has now been expanded to an additional 55 centers, thanks to support from the Global Fund.

Community Health Workers

Yorouma Djobo, a community health worker with seven years of experience, plays a crucial role in screening and treating TB patients in the Agou health district. He sees an average of three TB patients each month and emphasizes the importance of family support in the recovery process. “Once the families understand the implications of TB, they become invaluable in helping the patient adhere to their treatment,” Djobo explained. He was among 95 focal points trained in comprehensive TB management in 2022 and continues to advocate for community education.

Support from WHO

Support from the WHO has been instrumental, providing technical assistance and resources to help Togo combat TB. Dr. Laconi Kaaga, head of the TB Control Programme at WHO Togo, stated that their goal is to guarantee that all at-risk individuals have swift access to necessary preventive measures and treatment options.

Yao's Message

Now, with his health restored and life as a farmer back on track, Yao advocates for awareness around tuberculosis symptoms. "If you have a persistent cough, don’t delay seeking medical care. My family’s unwavering support was key to my recovery. If someone you love is dealing with this disease, be there for them, keep their spirits high, and never lose hope," he passionately encouraged.

Conclusion

With national initiatives bearing fruit and individual stories of recovery lighting the way, Togo is making commendable progress in the battle against tuberculosis, showcasing a hopeful path toward eradicating this infectious disease.