Tag: Global Health
Become a member
Get the best offers and updates relating to Liberty Case News.
Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Study Explores SMS Messaging to Strengthen Tuberculosis (TB) Treatment
Download logo
A new study by the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) is exploring how mobile phone messaging can improve tuberculosis (TB) treatment adherence in Ethiopia and Liberia, two of the continent's most affected countries.
The research is supported by a US$100,000 grant from the World Bank and is running from 17 November to 12 December 2025. It is being carried out in partnership with the Ministries of Health in Ethiopia and Liberia, the University of Liberia College of Health Sciences, Dire Dawa University, and the Dire Dawa Health Bureau, with technical coordination provided by Africa CDC's Science and Innovation Directorate.
Tuberculosis remains a major global health challenge. In 2023, an estimated 10.8 million people worldwide were infected, resulting in over 1.25 million deaths. Ethiopia and Liberia are among the highest TB-burden countries, with estimated incidence rates of 119 and 308 cases per 100,000 population, respectively. Despite progress in diagnosis and treatment, adherence to TB medication continues to be one of the weakest links in TB control – leading to treatment failure, relapse and drug-resistant TB.
To address this persistent challenge, the Africa CDC study is leveraging mobile technology as a practical solution. It aims to improve TB treatment adherence by testing SMS reminders, identifying barriers to digital technology adoption, and evaluating their impact on patient outcomes. It is titled ‘Improving TB Treatment Adherence through Mobile-Phone Messaging: Identifying Barriers, Facilitators, and Adoption Pathways in Ethiopia and Liberia'.
“This research is significant because it provides an opportunity to integrate digital innovation into TB care in Africa, advancing patient-centred solutions that address real-world barriers to treatment adherence,” said Dr Mosoka Fallah, Acting Director of Science and Innovation at Africa CDC. “By leveraging the widespread use of mobile phones, we can make TB treatment support more accessible, responsive and effective – particularly for vulnerable communities.”
The research will be conducted in two phases across Ethiopia and Liberia: a quantitative baseline assessment to measure current adherence levels among TB patients, followed by a pilot intervention using SMS-based reminders for patients identified with low adherence. A total of 844 TB patients (422 in each country) will be enrolled, with about 200 participants receiving SMS reminders. Both quantitative and qualitative approaches will be used to generate insights that inform national TB strategies and continental policy recommendations for digital health integration.
“Africa CDC continues to prioritise implementation science that directly strengthens public health interventions in Member States,” Dr Fallah added. “This initiative will not only generate actionable evidence for TB programmes but also contribute to the broader digital health agenda in Africa.”
The study will provide evidence on the effectiveness of SMS-based TB adherence support in Africa, identify barriers and enablers to the use of digital adherence tools, and guide TB control policies and programmes in Ethiopia, Liberia and other Member States.
Dr Fallah explained that the research reflects Africa CDC's commitment to driving evidence-based innovations that accelerate progress toward ending TB by 2035, in alignment with the WHO End-TB Strategy and the African Union's health priorities.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC).Nigeria Launches First National Antimicrobial Resistance Survey
Download logo
Nigeria has launched its first nationally representative survey on antimicrobial resistance (AMR), marking a milestone in the country's public health response. Supported by the World Health Organization (WHO) and partners, the initiative will generate critical data to guide evidence-based policies, improve patient outcomes, and strengthen health system resilience.
The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare (FMoH&SW) and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), with technical support from WHO, recently concluded a five-day planning workshop. The workshop brought together stakeholders from government, academia, and international partners to finalize the technical protocol and operational strategy.
Nigeria is the third country globally to partner with WHO on a national AMR survey. The country was selected based on its strong commitment to AMR surveillance, its updated WHO Nigeria NAP 2.0, and readiness to expand laboratory and data systems.
Why Surveillance Matters
Nigeria ranks 20th globally for age-standardized mortality due to AMR. In 2019, an estimated 263,400 deaths in Nigeria were linked to AMR—more than the combined deaths from enteric infections, tuberculosis, respiratory infections, maternal and neonatal disorders, neglected tropical diseases, malaria, and cardiovascular diseases (Global Research on Antimicrobial Resistance – GRAM, IHME, University of Washington, 2023).
Globally, resistant infections in tertiary care settings cost between US$2,371 and US$29,289 per patient episode, extend hospital stays by an average of 7.4 days, and increase mortality risk by 84% (Poudel AN et al., PLoS One, 2023).
AMR occurs when bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites evolve to resist treatment, making infections harder to cure. Surveillance is essential to track resistance patterns, identify priority pathogens, and guide targeted interventions.
“This planning workshop marks a significant milestone in Nigeria's AMR response,” said Dr Tochi Okwor, Acting Head, Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, NCDC. “With WHO's support, we are confident the survey will generate the evidence needed to protect public health.”
Survey Objectives and Scope
The survey will:
• Establish a national baseline on AMR prevalence to monitor interventions.
• Assess the distribution, burden (morbidity, mortality, DALYs, cost), and diversity of AMR across regions and populations.
• Contribute to the global target of reducing AMR deaths by 10% by 2030, in line with the political declaration endorsed at the 79th United Nations General Assembly in 2024.).
• Strengthen routine AMR surveillance, including diagnostics, sample referral systems, and laboratory capacity.
Using WHO's standardized methodology, the survey will run for 12–15 months and cover 40–45 randomly selected health facilities nationwide. Patients with suspected bloodstream infections (BSIs) will be identified using standard case definitions, and blood samples will be analysed in quality-assured laboratories.
Data will be collected across all age groups, covering clinical, demographic, laboratory, financial, and outcome indicators. Follow-up will occur at discharge, 28 days, and three months post-infection. The survey will sample approximately 35,000 patients suspected of BSIs to obtain around 800 isolates of the most common pathogens.
Building National Capacity
WHO Representative in Nigeria, Dr Pavel Ursu, reaffirmed WHO's commitment:
“Nigeria is taking a decisive step toward combating AMR with an approach grounded in data, science, and measurable impact. This survey will provide the clarity needed to drive smarter policies, stronger surveillance, and better patient outcomes. Nigeria is laying the foundations for a resilient health system, one that protects lives, strengthens trust, and ensures that essential medicines remain effective for future generations.”
Dr Laetitia Gahimbare, Technical Officer at WHO Regional Office for Africa, added:“Strengthening surveillance enhances Nigeria's capacity to detect and respond to AMR threats, supporting better patient outcomes, reinforcing health security, and building a resilient system.”
Professor Babatunde Ogunbosi, Paediatric Infectious Diseases Specialist at University College Hospital, Ibadan, highlighted the broader impact:
“This survey is about more than data. It's about building national capacity for research, diagnostics, and policy. It integrates science into public health decision-making.”
Supporting Global Health and Universal Health Coverage
AMR is a global health challenge. Nigeria's participation contributes to regional and international efforts to monitor resistance and coordinate responses. The survey also supports the One Health approach, recognizing the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health.
By improving diagnostics, strengthening laboratory infrastructure, and promoting responsible antimicrobial use, the initiative will help reduce treatment failures and advance Nigeria's progress toward Universal Health Coverage (UHC), national health security, and the National Health Sector Renewed Investment Initiative.
A Shared Commitment
AMR is among WHO's top global health priorities. Nigeria's efforts supported by WHO, NCDC, the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), and the Global Fund, demonstrate strong national ownership and multisectoral collaboration.
Through science, partnership, and evidence-based action, Nigeria is laying the foundation to safeguard lives, preserve the efficacy of essential medicines, and build a healthier future.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of World Health Organization (WHO) - Nigeria.Liberia Launches Triple Elimination Strategy at 2025 World AIDS Day Celebration
Download logo
Today, the nation witnessed the official launch of the Triple Elimination Strategy at Capitol Hill, targeting HIV, Syphilis, and Hepatitis B. The launch of Liberia's Triple Elimination Strategy during the 2025 World AIDS Day aims to eliminate mother-to-child transmission of HIV, Syphilis, and Hepatitis B while demonstrating the government's commitment to strengthening the health system and advancing national and global public health goals.
Dr. Louise Mapleh Kpoto delivered the keynote address on behalf of Vice President Jeremiah K. Koung, underscoring the government's renewed obligation to expand domestic financing for HIV prevention, testing, treatment, and program coordination, an intervention she described as essential to safeguarding the nation's health security. “Government remains firmly committed to increasing domestic financing for HIV prevention, testing, treatment, and program coordination,” she declared, reaffirming the administration's push for stronger national ownership of the HIV response.
Representing the Vice President, Dr. Kpoto emphasized that Liberia must take full responsibility for the health and well-being of its people. She announced Vice President Koung's commitments on the matter: “Liberia must take full responsibility for the health and well-being of its people. I, Jeremiah K. Koung, commit to the following: strengthening domestic financing to secure the future of our HIV response; extending community-led initiatives to reach vulnerable populations and eliminate stigma; and integrating HIV services into the broader health system for sustainable lives.”
Dr. Kpoto performed the formal launch: “Ladies and gentlemen, I am honored to officially launch the triple elimination of HIV, Syphilis, and Hepatitis B in Liberia.” She noted that Liberia has made remarkable progress in HIV testing coverage over the past seven years. Testing rates have surged from 10 percent in 2017 to nearly 90 percent in 2024, a leap that has prevented more than 1,000 newborn babies from acquiring HIV at birth. “Liberia has increased HIV testing from 10 percent in 2017 to nearly 90 percent in 2024. This means over 1,000 newborn lives have been protected from HIV,” she highlighted.
Dr. Kpoto added that the country remains committed to improving maternal and neonatal outcomes through integrated care: “We want to protect mothers and newborn babies through integrated care,” she said. She concluded with a call for collective resolve in achieving an AIDS-free future: “Ending AIDS is not an aspiration but a promise, one that requires unity, leadership, and sustained commitment.”
Delivering the day's welcome statement, Dr. Cecelia J. Nuta, Chairperson of the National AIDS Commission, commended Liberia's progress in its HIV response but cautioned that the fight was far from over. “This day carries profound meaning for our country,” she said. “AIDS is a human reality, and the estimated 36,000 people living with HIV in 2025 reflect both progress and a continuing challenge. Fewer people are dying because care has improved, but inclusion from all fronts remains essential if we are to end AIDS in Liberia.”
On behalf of H.E. President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, President of the Republic of Liberia, Emma K. Appleton, a student of Zoe Louise Preparatory School, read the Proclamation, which reaffirmed Liberia's commitment to global health goals.
The document recalled that, since AIDS was first diagnosed in 1981, it has posed “a serious threat to the well-being of the human race,” and that December 1 each year is observed globally “to honor those who have lost their lives and show solidarity with people living with HIV/AIDS.” It noted Liberia's progress through “national policies, community-based programs, and partnerships with civil society, international donors, and healthcare professionals,” while calling for renewed efforts to strengthen health systems, promote inclusion, and protect human rights.
Meanwhile, Alieu Dia, UNDP Resident Representative to Liberia, speaking on behalf of UN Resident Coordinator Christine N. Umutoni, emphasized the need for equality, inclusion, and sustained investment.
“Despite the shocks of recent years, the commitment to end AIDS as a public-health threat remains unwavering,” he said. “Communities continue to lead innovation in prevention and care. Yet stigma and inequality still block progress. Liberia's response must build local capacity and ensure that every person, no matter who they are, has access to services and the rights they deserve.”
He urged partners to “renew our commitment,” adding, “Working alongside the government and networks of people living with HIV, we can achieve an inclusive response.”
Dr. Jonathan Flomo, Program Manager of the National AIDS and STI Control Program, presented an update on Liberia's clinical progress.
Citing UNAIDS data, he reported that about 36,000 Liberians are currently living with HIV. He outlined the global 95-95-95 targets for 2030: 95 percent of people living with HIV should know their status, 95 percent of those who know their status should be on treatment, and 95 percent of those on treatment should achieve viral suppression.
“Liberia has reached 86-99-95 percent,” Dr. Flomo said proudly, noting that 32,596 people are on treatment nationwide.
He highlighted new prevention strategies: “We have introduced Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis, or PrEP, which helps prevent HIV infection,” he said. “We are ensuring that Injectable PrEP is available in the country to optimize HIV prevention.”
The ceremony also drew a range of speakers representing LibNeP+, LPRIDE, faith-based organizations, the United Nations, the Swedish Embassy, and the Liberia Coordinating Mechanism. Lawmakers from both the House and Senate Committees on Health pledged to strengthen healthcare funding and ensure accountability in the national HIV response.
This year's celebration was held under the global theme, “Overcoming Disruption, Transforming the AIDS Response,” and re-cast nationally as “Mobilizing Domestic Support, Transforming the AIDS Response.” The observance seeks to galvanize national momentum by fusing political resolve, local engagement, and sustainable investment in Liberia's HIV response.
The Ministry of Health reiterates its resolve to maintain the momentum, ensuring that Liberia not only keeps pace with global health priorities but ultimately prevails in the enduring quest to end AIDS as a public health threat.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Health, Republic of Liberia.Ethiopia Launches Fourth National Plan to Combat Antimicrobial Resistance
Download logo
Ethiopia has unveiled its fourth National Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR), reaffirming its commitment to tackling this pressing global health threat.
The launch places Ethiopia among a growing number of African countries with firm strategies to address AMR, which occurs when bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites evolve to withstand drugs designed to kill them.
Support for this effort was provided by the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), the World Health Organization (WHO), the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), the World Bank, and the East, Central and Southern Africa Health Community (ECSA-HC).
“Resistance to infection is rising worldwide. Without decisive measures, by 2050 we could see a 70% increase in AMR-related impacts, costing the global economy an estimated USD 1 trillion,” warned Ethiopia's Minister of Health, Dr Mekdes Daba. Speaking at the launch event marking World AMR Awareness Week, she described antimicrobial resistance as a growing crisis that demands urgent and coordinated action.
Africa CDC Deputy Director General, Dr Raji Tajudeen, echoed this concern, calling AMR “no longer a silent pandemic.” Ranked among the top ten global public health threats, AMR is already undermining health systems, food safety, economic growth, and environmental stability across Africa. “This is not a distant threat – it is a present reality,” he said.
Africa currently accounts for over one million AMR-related deaths annually, representing approximately 21% of the global toll. Without immediate action, projections indicate that by 2050 AMR-related deaths in Africa could soar to 4.1 million each year, pushing millions into extreme poverty and reversing decades of progress in infectious disease control.
Ethiopia's new action plan positions the country as a continental leader, setting a model for progress and inspiring other nations to act. Dr Mekdes highlighted Ethiopia's strong track record, including its active membership in the Global Leaders Group on AMR and its success in increasing AMR awareness among health professionals by 50%. The country has also conducted over 54 public awareness campaigns, mobilising communities to confront this growing threat.
Dr Tajudeen noted Africa's progress on antimicrobial resistance, citing strengthened national coordination committees, enhanced surveillance and laboratory capacity, and baseline data from the influential Mapping Antimicrobial Resistance and Antimicrobial Use Partnership (MAAP) study, supported by the AU's Landmark AMR Report released in 2024.
Yet challenges remain, including poor access to quality diagnostics and medicines, underfunded action plans, weak infection prevention and control, limited data for policymaking, and fragmented One Health surveillance systems.
“I would like to encourage Member States to ensure that AMR remains one of the critical agendas at the highest political levels, including within AU bodies,” said Dr Tajudeen.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC).
