The spread of tuberculosis (TB) is expected to rise rapidly as public health systems across Africa face new funding challenges, according to Dr. Allan Pamba, Executive Vice President, Diagnostics, Africa, Roche Diagnostic.

Dr. Pamba, in a statement on Thursday, emphasized that tuberculosis remains a fatal disease that predominantly affects adults in their economically productive years. He cited data from the World Health Organization (WHO), which reported that more than a million people died from tuberculosis in 2024.

“That number is expected to rise rapidly as public health systems face new funding challenges, jeopardizing established treatment programs. The good news, however, is that tuberculosis can be diagnosed early and cured with prompt treatment.”

As the world marks World Tuberculosis Day this month, Dr. Pamba highlighted Africa’s unique challenges in combating TB. He noted that despite significant progress over the past two decades, recent funding cuts are disrupting essential prevention, screening, and treatment programs.

The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate, has also pointed to key drivers of tuberculosis in Nigeria, including undernutrition, HIV, diabetes mellitus, smoking, and alcohol use. He stressed that the most affected demographic falls within the working-age group of 15-44 years.

According to Prof. Pate, these disruptions have prompted the WHO to urge governments, civil society, healthcare providers, and the private sector to advocate for increased collaboration in ensuring access to quality TB prevention and care services.

Dr. Pamba underscored the crucial role of early diagnosis in curbing TB. He noted that beyond reliance on external funding, there is a need for increased domestic investment in diagnostic services, which has demonstrated significant returns.

“Investments in diagnostic services in Africa can and indeed have demonstrated substantial returns. Early detection means fewer hospital stays, reduced infection rates, and lower long-term treatment costs.

“This is evident in information released by South Africa’s molecular diagnostics program. A comprehensive study covering 2013 to 2022 revealed excellent return on investment values for specific diagnostic tests, with TB leading the pack.”

Dr. Pamba highlighted the historical reliance of Africa’s health systems on external donors, warning that shifting global priorities mean Africa must take proactive steps toward self-sufficiency.

“Historically, Africa’s health systems have been shaped by external donors. But global priorities are shifting. Africa needs to shift ahead of this curve. Strong economies invest in their own health, and expanding domestic funding for health and diagnostics, in particular, isn’t just about disease control – it’s about building resilience for our people and, by association, economies.

“Of course, we know domestic funding is limited, which is why it should be allocated smartly.”

He also pointed out that most African countries already have diagnostic platforms for HIV testing that can be leveraged for TB and other diseases. However, vertically funded programs often lead to inefficiencies, with separate testing systems cluttering laboratories with redundant equipment.

Dr. Pamba lamented that tuberculosis has remained a persistent challenge in Africa but stressed that the tools to combat it effectively already exist.

“Tuberculosis has remained a part of Africa’s story for too long. But stories aren’t set in stone. The tools exist to reduce their impact, improve access to testing, and create health systems that serve people better. The real question isn’t whether we can do it but whether we will.

“A future where Africa funds its own healthcare, invests in the right solutions, and builds a healthier, more resilient continent is within reach. The path is clear. It just takes strong political will to walk it!”