On 28 March 2025, the World Health Organization (WHO), together with the Ministry of Health and Social Services (MoHSS) and other partners, came together for the national observance of World Tuberculosis (TB) Day in Tsandi, Omusati Region. The theme for this year, "Yes! We Can End TB: Commit, Invest, Deliver," served as a powerful reminder of the collective action needed to combat TB worldwide. While World TB Day is globally observed on 24 March, the Namibia observance provided an opportunity to pay tribute to those who have lost their lives to TB and many who continue to struggle with this disease, and  to comment on the efforts of all those involved on the ground management of these clients while reflecting on the progress made and the challenges that remain in the fight against this persistent public health threat.

Globally, TB continues to be one of the deadliest infectious diseases, with 2.5 million new cases and 404,000 deaths reported in the WHO African Region alone in 2023. This translates to one life lost every 78 seconds.  In 2023, Namibia recorded 9204 TB cases, which included 312 new and relapse cases. Furthermore, the country faced 2,911 TB-related deaths that same year. Omusati, the third most populous region in Namibia, reported 497 TB cases in the 2024/25 period, with 42 deaths and 24 patients lost to follow-up. The region's treatment success rate stands at 86%, reflecting both progress and the need for continued efforts.

In her remarks read by the Executive Director Mr. Ben Nangombe, Dr. Esperance Luvindao, Minister of Health and Social Services, emphasized that TB remains a significant public health challenge for Namibia, one of the countries with the highest TB burden per capita globally. “TB care and treatment services have been decentralized to subnational levels, including at Health Posts, to ensure that treatment is accessible to all patients," she stated. "This approach has not only decongested health facilities but has also significantly improved healthcare access for thousands of Namibians," she added. Dr. Luvindao further highlighted the global impact of TB, noting that in 2023, 10.8 million people fell ill with the disease, and 1.25 million lives were lost. However, she expressed hope in the progress made, citing the success of medical interventions such as improved diagnostics and treatment regimens that have saved an estimated 79 million lives since 2000.

WHO Representative to Namibia, Dr. Richard Banda, honored those who have lost their lives to TB and the many who continue to fight the disease.  Emphasizing the ongoing human and social toll of TB, he called for urgent, coordinated action to address the root causes, including poverty, inequality, and stigma. “We must commit, invest, and deliver to ensure that no one is left behind in the fight against this deadly yet curable disease. WHO remains steadfast in supporting Namibia in its efforts to end TB,” he stated. Dr. Banda further outlined key recommended priorities for implementation to end TB, such as WHO-recommended policies, increasing domestic financing, and expanding community-led initiatives. He reiterated WHO’s commitment to supporting Namibia through technical assistance and strengthened surveillance systems in the continued fight against TB.

Mr. Shivute Luther, a TB survivor from Omusati region shared his experience of being diagnosed with TB, explaining the initial fear and uncertainty he faced. "I was scared and in very poor health condition," he recalled. "I was put on a six-month treatment, but I relapsed due to alcohol intake. I resumed treatment, and today, I am fully recovered." His story, while personal, serves as a powerful reminder that TB is curable, and with treatment, people can fully recover. He encouraged others to fight TB head on, saying that “TB can be prevented, and it is curable. Together we can win against TB”.

Traditional leaders, senior government officials, and community members pledged their commitment to ending TB in Namibia. The WHO also reiterated its support for the country’s efforts, providing strategic guidance to ensure that TB detection and treatment reaches every corner of the nation.