By Kondanani Chilimunthaka

Madam Monica Chakwera, the country’s First Lady has assumed a new role to champion the fight against Tuberculosis (TB) in Malawi as one way of ensuring that the disease is brought to an end by the year 2030.

Madam Chakwera has been crowned the new role on Wednesday, 13th September, 2023 during the meeting she held with the National TB and Leprosy Elimination Program (NTLEP) PARADISO TB Patients Trust and the National Organization of Nurses and Midwives in Lilongwe.

Speaking during the event, Program Manager for the NTLEP, Dr. James Mpunga said by assuming the new role as TB champion, Madame Chakwera signifies a huge milestone in the country’s fight to end TB by 2030, and a strong demonstration at the highest level of Malawi’s commitment to end the disease.

“TB sector is humbled by your interest in ensuring that the the glaring gender disparities that exist in TB responses as well as stigma and discrimination are alleviated” Said Mpunga.

Additionally, Mpunga said that currently TB remains the biggest cause of deaths among people living with HIV.

As TB champion, the First Lady is expected to lead the country’s efforts in mobilizing financial resources towards TB, fighting stigma and discrimination towards TB affected population, advocate for better nutrition for TB patients, advocate for multi-sectoral participation as well as promoting community engagement in the fight against TB.

Malawi is implementing the End TB Strategy which aims at ensuring reduction in number of TB deaths.