Tuberculosis remains a public health problem in Cameroon. The country is on the World Health Organization’s list of the 30 countries with the highest burden of TB/HIV coinfection. Stigma is very high according to data from the CRG assessment conducted in 2020 by the NGO FIS Cameroon in collaboration with the NTP: https://fiscameroun.org/rapport-crg .
During the 2024 holidays; Stop TB Cameroon has taken the option of increasing visibility on tuberculosis by targeting the South Cameroon region, which is one of the regions most affected by HIV/TB coinfection. The programme « Parade Vacances Stop TB » aim to raise community awareness of tuberculosis through recreational activities. This include: (i) a men’s football tournament; (ii) a women’s football tournament; (iii) a multi-disease health campaign; (iv) various attractions such as traditional dances incorporating messages about tuberculosis; the best speakers on tuberculosis awareness; and the Miss & Masters Stop TB Cameroon Rural 2024.
For 3 weeks, 10 villages vibrated to the rhythm of tuberculosis awareness. Stop TB Cameroon resources persons were able to disseminate messages to reduce the stigma of tuberculosis, encourage early diagnostic, reference for diagnostic and mobilize local leaders for local financing of tuberculosis care and support. Several satisfactory results were documented at the end of the campaign. This include more than 17,000 people sensitized; 64 people referred to local health facilities for tuberculosis diagnosis; 9 people diagnosed positive for tuberculosis; 4 local health facilities mobilized for the continuity of tuberculosis control activities; 12 traditional chiefs became local tuberculosis champions; and discussions initiated with local authorities for domestic resources support.
This 21-day program left a community well prepared to address the issue of fighting tuberculosis at the local level. This initiative will be carried out in the coming years in other localities in Cameroon. Ending tuberculosis requires access to information for all, both in urban and rural areas, particularly in areas with a high burden of the disease; combating stigma and discrimination that delays access to quality care; avoiding self-medication and advocating, among other things, for local financing of the tuberculosis response.
