The Civil Society Advocacy Forum (Csaf), a network of civil society organisations advocating for quality health services for all, has urged government to treat tuberculosis (TB) medications stockout as an emergency and act with speed.
Among others, the group urged the government to speed up importation of drugs and increase transparency and accountability in the drug supply chain to avoid future disruptions.
The advice comes after our sister newspaper, Weekend Nation reported at the weekend that patients diagnosed with TB in the country’s public health facilities are being sent home without medication because of a TB drug shortage.
In a statement yesterday signed by its chairperson Gift Trapence, Csaf said TB remains one of the top infectious diseases and consistent access to medication is vital to ensure treatment success, reduce transmission, and prevent the emergence of multi-drug-resistant TB (MDR-TB).
“Patients who are unable to access their medications are at high risk of defaulting, which leads to incomplete treatment, disease progression and increased community spread.
“The danger of MDR-TB emerging under these circumstances is not only a medical concern but also a financial one, as second-line TB treatments are significantly expensive,” he said.
Trapence also said the development is not only a public health emergency but a critical threat to the country’s commitment to ending TB as a public health challenge by 2030.
The Csaf chairperson has since urged government to recognise and treat this situation with utmost urgency and take immediate action.
“Csaf stands in full solidarity with the people affected by this crisis. Civil society will continue to engage with policymakers, health authorities and partners to ensure that every person affected by TB in Malawi receives uninterrupted, quality care and treatment,” added Trapence.
Secretary for Health Samson Mndolo told Weekend Nation that the low stocks have affected many countries, including Malawi.
“Yes, the Ministry of Health is aware of low stocks of TB drugs, especially first-line treatment drugs in some health facilities in the country. As we speak, we have 1.5 to 1.8 months’ worth of stock across the 500 or so health facilities that treat tuberculosis in the country,” he said.
According to Health Sector Strategic Plan III (2023–2030), TB incidence rate declined from 162 per 100 000 population in 2017 to 141 per 100 000 population in 2020.
