Angola’s Battle Against Tuberculosis Gains Momentum: Inaugural Meeting of Technical Working Group Marks Key Step in ‘TB in the Mines’ Project

Tuberculosis (TB) remains a significant global health challenge, particularly in regions like sub-Saharan Africa. In Angola, the prevalence of TB has been a cause for concern, contributing to the overall burden of disease within the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region. Addressing this pressing issue requires collaborative efforts and innovative strategies.

Tuberculosis has long been a public health concern in Angola, reflecting broader trends within the SADC region. Despite significant progress made by the National TB Program, led by dedicated healthcare professionals and supported by the Ministry of Health, TB continues to exert a substantial toll on public health. The burden of TB is further exacerbated within specific sectors such as mining, where living and working conditions can facilitate the spread of the disease.

During the official launch of TIMS III (Tuberculosis in the Mining Sector Phase 3) in Lilongwe, Malawi, a pivotal moment transpired as stakeholders underscored the need for a robust coordination structure for the TIMS project at the national level. This call was driven by the shared objective of ensuring the efficient and timely execution of the project, as well as the accurate reporting of its progress and outcomes.

In a notable collaboration, the ECSA-HC, in partnership with Angola’s Ministry of Health as part of the National TB Program, is actively steering the “TB in the Mines” project. To achieve this, a Technical Working Group (TWG) has been established as an integral component of the project’s strategy. The inaugural convening of this TWG on August 16, 2023, marks a significant milestone in the battle against TB.

The one-day meeting organized by the ECSA-HC and the Ministry of Health brought together key stakeholders, including representatives from the Ministries of Mines, Labor, and Health, as well as civil society organizations involved in TB projects. The primary goal of the meeting was to orient these stakeholders about the significance of the TWG within the context of the “TB in the Mines” project. During the meeting, attendees gained a comprehensive understanding of the objectives, roles, and responsibilities of the TWG.

During the welcome remarks, Dr. Ambrosia Disadidi, the National TB Program Manager, emphasized the persistent challenges posed by TB in the SADC region, including Angola. Dr. Disadidi highlighted the urgency of collective action to combat this epidemic, especially within industries like mining that have the potential to act as incubators for the disease. The “TB in the Mines” project serves as a beacon of hope, aiming to tackle TB head-on and curtail its transmission within the mining workforce.

One of the key takeaways from the inaugural meeting was the TWG’s pivotal role as the focal point for the “TB in the Mines” project at the national level. The TWG assumes the responsibility of not only coordinating national initiatives related to TB in the mining sector but also providing vital feedback for project enhancement. This collaborative approach ensures that efforts are aligned with the National TB Program’s broader goals and complements ongoing initiatives, such as the TIMS (Tuberculosis in the Mining Sector) grant.

The TIMS grant, a regional initiative, holds the promise of driving coordinated TB control efforts across multiple countries within the SADC region. As stakeholders during the TWG meeting discovered, Angola is an active participant in this grant, further reinforcing its commitment to combating TB. The TWG’s involvement in the TIMS grant underscores the interconnectedness of national and regional efforts, demonstrating the power of collaborative initiatives in achieving meaningful public health outcomes.

The “TB in the Mines” project’s inaugural meeting is a significant step forward in the fight against TB in Angola. With a clear focus on the mining sector, where the disease can easily spread, this project is poised to make a substantial impact on public health. By fostering collaboration among various stakeholders, aligning efforts with existing national programs, and integrating with regional initiatives, the project exemplifies a comprehensive approach to combating TB. As Angola and the SADC region as a whole continue their battle against TB, initiatives like the “TB in the Mines” project illuminate a path towards a healthier future.