TB diagnosis made easier

Monday, April 7, 2025

Haretho, a 47-year-old mother of four from Afgoye district in the Lower Shabelle Region of Somalia, was diagnosed with tuberculosis (TB) in 2024. Fearful of the long treatment process, she worried about managing her condition. With the support of the Global Fund TB programme and advanced technology like the GeneXpert machine, she received a quick and accurate diagnosis, allowing her to start treatment immediately.

"The doctors were able to quickly diagnose my TB and start me on the right treatment without delay," Haretho shared. "The healthcare workers guided me every step of the way, answering my questions, addressing my concerns, and providing the medication I needed."

Today, Haretho is fully recovered and advocates for TB awareness in her community, urging others to seek timely medical care.

Challenges

TB continues to disproportionately affect Somalia’s youth and vulnerable populations:

68% of TB-affected households experience catastrophic costs

57% of TB cases occur in individuals under 34 years old

30% of TB patients are aged 15 to 24

18% of TB cases are in children under 15

The burden of drug-resistant TB remains high at 12 per 100,000 cases. (Program, 1st TB Catastrophic Survey Report, 2024).

Addressing these challenges require targeted interventions, expanded social protection, and stronger integration within the health system.

Innovation is a game changer for TB response

Somalia is embracing technology to accelerate TB detection and treatment:

90% of TB facilities now utilise GeneXpert, enhancing diagnostic speed and accuracy

27 mobile x-ray units have been deployed to reach underserved communities

AI-powered diagnostics are improving efficiency and addressing radiologist shortages

These advancements are transforming Somalia’s TB response but scaling them further is critical.

Expanding access to reach underserved communities must be prioritised

Efforts to reach underserved populations include:

10% to 12% of TB cases detected through active case-finding in prisons, IDP camps, and private clinics. (Program, Annual data, 2024)

Integration of TB services into primary healthcare for better accessibility

Strengthened public-private partnerships improving TB diagnosis and treatment

Significant reductions in TB medication stockouts, ensuring continuous access to treatment.

Expanding these efforts will be key to closing service gaps and protecting the most vulnerable.

Strengthening integrated care for TB and HIV

Recognising the link between TB and HIV, Somalia has prioritised integrated care:

95% of TB patients are now aware of their HIV status.

81% of co-infected patients-initiated TB Preventive Therapy in 2024. (Program, Annual data, 2024)

What’s next?

To achieve the End TB Strategy targets by 2030, Somalia must:

Scale up innovative diagnostic tools and AI-driven solutions

Expand social protection programmes to alleviate financial burdens on TB-affected households

Strengthen government leadership and multi-sectoral engagement

Sustain investment in TB prevention, treatment, and advocacy

The fight against TB is not only about treatment, but it also requires strengthening Somalia’s entire healthcare system. With Global Fund support, World Vision has:

Expanded TB management units, to also provide maternal and child health services

Repurposed GeneXpert machines for COVID-19 and HIV viral load testing, maximising their impact

Enhanced supply chain management to reduce stockouts and ensure continuous TB treatment

Launched a multisectoral engagement policy, clearly defining roles for non-health sectors in the TB response.

How you can get involved

Support the expansion of TB diagnostics and treatment programmes

Partner with NGOs and health agencies to strengthen TB interventions

Advocate for policy reforms to reduce financial barriers for TB patients

Invest in research and technology to improve TB detection and care

Together, we can drive the final push toward ending TB in Somalia. Join the fight. Let’s make TB history.