BY MUNYARADZI BLESSING DOMA
As various speakers took to the podium during the World TB commemorations at Mahusekwa District Hospital in Mashonaland East Province on March 24 2025, one important message rang clear: collected efforts are vital in achieving the goal to end tuberculosis (TB) by 2030.
And indeed there was no better theme than the one under which the commemorations were being held under: “Yes! We Can End TB: Commit, Invest, Deliver.”
Minister of Health and Child Care, Dr Douglas Mombeshora, in a speech read on his behalf by Dr Paul Mutsvimbo, Provincial Medical Director for Mash East, said, “this theme is not just a call to action, but it’s a reminder of our collective responsibility to end tuberculosis in Zimbabwe and across the globe.”
He added: “ladies and gentlemen, let me acknowledge the efforts of everyone here present and represented by various disciplines and personnel, dedicated health professionals, policy makers, TB survivors, community members, representatives from our various stakeholders and partner organisations.
“Your unwavering commitment to the fight against TB is a testament of why we are celebrating today, it’s the driving force behind the progress that we celebrate today.”
Similar sentiments were also echoed by Director of AIDS and TB Unit in the Ministry of Health and Child Care, Dr Owen Mugurungi, who said this year’s theme resonated deeply with the shared mission to eliminate TB as a public health threat in Zimbabwe and globally.
Dr Mugurungi said while some challenges had been met in the fight against TB, the day’s commemorations were also meant to “reaffirm commitment, strengthening our investments, and delivering on our promises to end TB for good.”
“Commitment is the foundation of our fight against TB. As a nation we have made significant progress in combating this disease.
“However, commitment goes beyond policies and programs; it requires all of us to play our part.
“From healthcare workers to community leaders, and from policymakers to individual citizens, we must all commit to raising awareness, reducing stigma, and ensuring that TB services reach the most vulnerable populations.
“I urge our partners, both local and international, to continue supporting Zimbabwe in this fight. Together, we can mobilize the resources necessary to accelerate our efforts and achieve our goals,” said Dr Mugurungi.
In a speech read on his behalf by the Director Finance, Administration and Human Resources Douglas Dzukwa, Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution for Mashonaland East, Advocate Itayi Ndudzo also said the theme serves as a reminder that we must collaborate to end the TB epidemic.
“The main focus of this event is to reaffirm our collective commitment to ending tuberculosis, a disease that has plagued our region for far too long.
“This underscores the importance of unity, collaboration and community engagement in our fight against this deadly disease.
“I would like to remind you that tuberculosis is a preventable and curable disease therefore it is everyone`s responsibility to eliminate this disease.
“Together we can make a difference and create a safe and healthy environment for everyone,” said Minister Ndudzo.
Minister Ndudzo further called for unity saying, “let us unite to end TB. We must make a commitment to ourselves, our communities and our great nation to ensure that everyone, everywhere has access to TB prevention, diagnosis and treatment. Let us all strive for a TB free Zimbabwe.”
Jointed Hands Welfare Organization in their solidarity remarks on behalf of Civil Society Organizations in Zimbabwe said, “World TB Day serves as an essential reminder of our collective fight against tuberculosis (TB), a disease that is both preventable and curable which however continues to impact thousands of people in our country.
“This year’s theme, “Yes, We Can End TB: Commit, Invest, Deliver!” calls on us all to unify our efforts and advocate for the resources necessary to combat this preventable and treatable disease,” said Melody Mukundwi, Advocacy, Communication and Resource Mobilization Liaison Officer at Jointed Hands Welfare Organization.
“We appreciate the working relationship we have with the Ministry of Health and Child Care, through the National TB and Leprosy Control Program.
“Today, we reaffirm our commitment to complement government efforts to ensure every person with TB enjoys equitable access to quality TB services and care.
“We appreciate every one of you who works tirelessly to fight TB in our communities.
“Special mention goes to the TB Survivors Network for working tirelessly since their formation- we salute you!
“To the TB Champions -we applaud you for championing the cause! Our solidarity is our strength, and together, we can pave the way for a future where TB is no longer a public health threat,” added Mukundwi.
Chairperson of the Stop TB Partnership Zimbabwe, Ronald Rungoyi shared similar sentiments saying the World TB Day is a powerful reminder of collective responsibility to fight TB.
“This year, we gather under the theme “Yes, We Can End TB. Commit. Invest. Deliver,” which underscores the urgent need for increased commitment and sustained investment in TB prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.
“The Stop TB Partnership Zimbabwe (STPZ) was established with a clear mission to unite all stakeholders in the fight against TB and to create a coordinated response that addresses the challenges posed by the TB disease.
“The mandate of the Stop TB Partnership Zimbabwe is anchored on the Shona proverb, “Rume rimwe harikombe churu”.
“We believe that together we can achieve more compared to what we can achieve working individually.
“The work of the Stop TB Partnership is made possible by the existence and functionality of its partners.
“The partnership comprises government departments, Civil Society organizations, private sector, the media, celebrities, Parliamentarians, traditional and religious leaders, community-based organizations, healthcare providers, and, most importantly, the communities affected by TB,” said Rungoyi.
He added: “in recent years, we have seen a positive trajectory in our TB response.
“New actors are now actively and meaningfully playing different roles in the TB response. We are all witnessing the impact of the work that is being done by TB survivors.
“Their passion and commitment are a testimony of the power of inclusivity and the efforts by the Stop TB Partnership Zimbabwe which brought the TB Survivors to the TB response table not as recipients of care but as equal partners in the response.
“Today, I urge each of you-government officials, healthcare providers, community leaders, and advocates-to join us in calling for increased investment in TB programs. Let us work collaboratively to ensure that every person in Zimbabwe has access to the care and support they need to fight TB.
“We must amplify our voices, share our stories, and advocate for policies that prioritize TB prevention and treatment. Together, we can break the barriers that hinder our progress and create a future free from the burden of TB.”
Mashonaland East National AIDS Council (NAC) Provincial Manager, Wilfred Dube said they are committed to the fight against TB as they have also invested a lot of resources to fight HIV and TB.
He added that they had also implemented programmes that are meant to combat the two diseases.
