“TB is just like any other disease, and it’s airborne, meaning anyone can easily contract it once exposed,” says Kisa Freda Robinah, the TB Focal Person at Uganda Martyrs Hospital Lubaga. “It mainly affects the lungs, but it can also spread throughout the body via the bloodstream.”
One of the biggest challenges in the fight against TB is delayed diagnosis. Early symptoms, such as a persistent cough, fever, or fatigue—are often mistaken for common flu or seasonal coughs.
Many Ugandans first turn to herbal remedies, only seeking professional help when symptoms worsen.
“In Uganda, there is a poor culture of seeking medical attention,” Kisa explains. “People often try herbal remedies first and only go to hospitals as a last resort.”
TB doesn’t affect everyone equally. Certain conditions, particularly HIV, greatly increase the risk of latent TB becoming active.
“HIV lowers the body’s immunity. That’s why in HIV clinics, patients are routinely screened for TB, because they are more vulnerable,” Kisa notes. This dual burden of TB and HIV is one reason Uganda continues to struggle with high case numbers, despite widespread public health campaigns.
Prevention begins early, often at birth, with the Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) vaccine, which offers protection against severe forms of TB in children though it does not grant complete immunity. Early detection also plays a crucial role in stopping the spread, ensuring that presumptive cases are quickly linked to health services.
Treatment requires discipline and consistency. Patients must take daily medication for several months, with prescriptions tailored to their weight. The regimen is given in phases, starting with an intensive stage followed by a continuation stage to ensure effectiveness.
But even within health facilities, challenges remain. “Sometimes, we health workers contribute to drug-resistant TB by prescribing an under dose,” Kisa admits.
Despite these hurdles, the disease remains curable. “With proper treatment, TB can be completely cured,” Kisa emphasises.