Mpolonjeni, Eswatini – The U.S. Embassy in Eswatini joined forces with the Eswatini government to commemorate World TB Day, highlighting the ongoing fight against the infectious disease. Chargé d’Affaires Caitlin Piper addressed the gathering at Mpolonjeni constituency in the Lubombo region, acknowledging the progress made and pledging continued collaboration.
While Tuberculosis is both treatable and preventable, Piper pointed out the sobering reality: over 310 Emaswati succumbed to the disease in 2022. She reaffirmed the U.S. government’s commitment to tackling TB, announcing a $450,000 (E8.6 million) investment this year through the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). These funds will support TB prevention, screening, and diagnostics, including the introduction of computer-aided detection software to improve Eswatini’s digital X-ray screening capabilities.
This investment builds upon the more than E12 billion emalangeni already provided to Eswatini since 2005 through the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR).
Despite significant progress – new TB infections halved and deaths reduced by 58% between 2015 and 2022 – Piper noted persisting challenges. In 2022, only 61% of estimated TB cases were diagnosed and treated, and TB patient mortality remains above 10%.
“United, we can address these remaining gaps to end the TB epidemic,” Piper declared. The World TB Day commemoration served as a call to action, urging continued collaboration to achieve a TB-free future for Eswatini.