Equatorial Guinea Makes Progress In Fight Against Tuberculosis

By: Modupe Adeniyi. Freelance Health Reporter.

Partial map of Africa showing the location of Equatorial Guinea

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 28, 2024. In a remarkable display of public health improvement, Equatorial Guinea has made significant strides in its battle against tuberculosis (TB). From 2020 to 2023, the country witnessed a dramatic increase in TB screening rates, soaring from 34% to an impressive 87%. This progress is largely attributed to a comprehensive national strategy, bolstered by support from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the adoption of cutting-edge diagnostic tools.

At the forefront of this technological advancement is GeneXpert, a device provided by WHO that has revolutionized TB diagnosis. Dr. Ana Bella Ekiri, Head of the Tuberculosis and HIV Programme at the WHO Country Office in Equatorial Guinea, emphasizes the impact of these new tools: "These new devices enable early, rapid and accurate diagnosis, particularly for multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) and benefits the most vulnerable populations."

The efficiency of GeneXpert is striking. It can detect TB in just two hours, a vast improvement over traditional methods that could take several weeks. This rapid diagnosis capability has had a profound effect on the country's ability to identify and treat TB cases, especially the more challenging MDR-TB variants. In 2023, an impressive 95% of TB cases were diagnosed using these rapid tests.

However, with improved detection comes the revelation of a growing challenge. The number of reported MDR-TB cases has doubled, with particularly high rates observed in prisons and hospitals where overcrowding facilitates transmission. In 2023, a staggering 92% of diagnosed cases presented with multidrug resistance, underscoring the urgency of addressing this public health crisis.

Despite these challenges, Equatorial Guinea remains committed to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals target of eliminating TB by 2030. WHO continues to provide crucial support, focusing on combating MDR-TB through specialized training, updating clinical guidelines, integrating TB diagnosis and treatment into HIV care units and proactively searching for undiagnosed cases within communities.

The human impact of these efforts is poignantly illustrated by Joana, a recovered patient who shares her experience: "I was very sick and worried when I arrived at the hospital. I believed it was HIV but thanks to the rapid tests, I soon knew it was TB. I thought my life was over but as time went on, I realized that it was an illness like any other that I could overcome."

Dr. Manuel Eyene Bacale Ayeto, Regional Coordinator for the prevention and control of STIs, HIV/AIDS, TB and viral hepatitis in Equatorial Guinea, highlights the importance of training in improving patient care: "Training has enabled us to detect TB earlier and to avoid late treatment which has considerably improved patient care."

The fight against TB in Equatorial Guinea is intrinsically linked to the country's efforts to combat HIV. Dr. Leticia Ondo Ayecaba, Head of the TB Control Programme at the Ministry of Health, explains, "The incidence of TB remains high with 275 new cases detected each year per 100,000 population. Its constant increase is mainly due to the growth of the HIV epidemic."

To address this dual challenge, an integrated one-stop-shop approach combining TB and HIV care has been implemented. This strategy has contributed to improving treatment outcomes, with the treatment success rate increasing from 67% in 2020 to 74% in 2023.

Looking ahead, Equatorial Guinea plans to establish a national reference laboratory for the culture of MDR-TB strains, further strengthening the country's capacity to respond to this health crisis. As Dr. Ayeto aptly puts it, "What motivates me is seeing patients go home and returning for their medication once they have recovered from the active phase of the disease. We all have a role to play in TB eradication."

Equatorial Guinea's progress in fighting tuberculosis is a testament to the power of collaborative efforts, technological innovation, and unwavering commitment to public health. While challenges remain, particularly in the form of MDR-TB, the country's achievements offer hope and inspiration in the global fight against this ancient disease.

Source: World Health Organization Newsroom.

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Published: August 28, 2024

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