WHO Representative Dr. Neema Rusibamayila Kimambo speaks at World TB and Leprosy Day commemoration in Lilongwe

On 24 March 2025 the World Health Organization Representative Dr Neema Rusibamayila Kimambo was among the dignitaries alongside healthcare workers, and community members who gathered at Mgona community ground in Area 25 in Lilongwe to commemorate World TB Day and World Leprosy Day. The event, graced by H.E the First Lady of the Republic of Malawi, Madam Monica Chakwera, who serves as the Goodwill Ambassador for TB, highlighted Malawi's ongoing efforts to combat the two diseases and reaffirmed the nation's commitment to health and well-being. The First Lady, delivered an inspiring speech, emphasizing the importance of continued efforts to eliminate TB and leprosy in Malawi. Her presence underscored the high-level commitment towards these public health challenges.

The commemoration ceremony was a significant event, as it brought together key stakeholders in the fight against tuberculosis (TB) and leprosy namely, the World Health Organization, World Vision International, Islamic Health Association of Malawi, AHF, AFIDEP, Paradiso, FACT, Coalition of Women Living with HIV and the Stop TB partnership. During the commemoration, Dr. Neema Rusibamayila Kimambo, the WHO Representative in Malawi, speaking to the large crowd at the ceremony highlighted the global and national burden of TB, noting that it remains one of the world's deadliest infectious diseases. She shared alarming statistics, revealing that over 3,400 people lose their lives to TB daily, and close to 30,000 people fall ill with this preventable and curable disease each day.

The WHO Representative acknowledged Malawi's progress in controlling TB, with notable achievements such as high treatment success rates and the successful integration of TB and HIV services. However, Malawi is still one of the high burden TB countries, she stressed the need for continued efforts to close the gap between the estimated number of people with TB and those that are diagnosed and receive treatment and care.

Dr Neema Kimambo, passionately called for accelerated action to end TB suffering and deaths. She echoed the theme of the year, "Yes! We Can End TB: Commit, Invest, Deliver," urging all stakeholders to commit to the cause, invest in necessary resources, and deliver effective services to those in need.

She highlighted the call for action by various groups as follows:

• General Public: Educate themselves on TB and leprosy, stand against stigma and discrimination, and support those affected by these diseases.

• Health Workers: Incorporate essential TB services into routine health interventions and deliver care that is respectful and free from stigma.

• Ministry of Health and Public Health Leaders: Allocate resources to improve TB services, support health workers, and ensure up-to-date training and information sharing.

• Community Leaders: Maintain and make TB services affordable, support health workers, and combat stigma within the community.

• Young People: Become TB advocates, support TB patients, and raise awareness among their peers.

   

The event also commemorated World Leprosy Day, observed annually on the last Sunday of January. The theme for 2025, "Unite. Act. Eliminate," called for a unified effort to eliminate leprosy, proactive measures for early diagnosis and treatment, and a clear goal to eradicate the disease. Dr. Kimambo reaffirmed WHO's commitment to supporting Malawi in maintaining the elimination of leprosy and preventing any resurgence.

In a nutshell, the World TB Day and World Leprosy Day commemoration at Mgona community ground was a powerful reminder of the collective effort required to combat the two debilitating diseases. The presence of H.E the First Lady, Madam Monica Chakwera, and the WHO Representative, Dr. Neema Rusibamayila Kimambo, highlighted the importance of leadership, commitment, and community involvement in achieving health goals. As Malawi continues its journey towards eliminating TB and leprosy, the messages of hope, urgency, and accountability from this event will resonate throughout the nation in this yearlong campaign to eliminate the two diseases by 2030.