Ethiopia is actively addressing the major public health problems of Tuberculosis, Leprosy, and Other Lung Diseases (TLLD). With strong sector-specific strategic plans, the country is making significant progress in prevention, control, and elimination efforts.
Since 2015, the incidence of TB has decreased from 192/100,000 to 119/100,000 population in 2021. TB-related deaths have also declined from 27/100,000 to 16/100,000 population. Ethiopia achieved the WHO target for leprosy in 1999, with one person per 10,000 population.
However, challenges still persist as Ethiopia remains among the 30 high-burden countries for TB and TB/HIV. Leprosy also remains a public health concern in certain geographic areas.
To overcome these challenges and achieve even greater success, the national TLLD NSP requires strong ACSM interventions. The ACSM strategy aims to enhance the implementation of NSP objectives by encouraging political commitment, resource mobilization, and support through evidence-based advocacy. It also focuses on improving ACSM skills, promoting standardized guidelines and culture-sensitive messages, educating different population segments through various media channels, empowering those affected by TLLD, enhancing community participation, and encouraging evidence-generation endeavors.
The detailed implementation strategies of the TLLD ACSM Strategy can be found in section five of the strategic document. The results of the TLLD ACSM implementation will be measured alongside the national TLLD strategic plan implementation. Together, we can make a difference in tackling these public health challenges!
