The World Tuberculosis (TB) Day is commemorated on the 24^th of March each year to mark the discovery of the cause of this deadly Tuberculosis disease commonly known as TB. During past years without the threat of the dreaded COVID- 19 pandemic in Zambia, this day was usually characterized by various activities before, during and after the 24^th of March to create awareness not only about the disease’s devastating health, social and economic consequences but to give hope to the public that this disease is curable. This year’s World TB Day theme was, “TB is Still with Us, Let’s End TB Together.”

With the prevalence of TB in correctional facilities being higher than in the general public, and out of the need to ensure TB is not overshadowed by the currently shifting attention to COVID- 19 interventions, the Zambia Correctional Service (ZCS) through its Health Directorate and the Prisons Health Advisory Committee (PHAC) organized a physical function to commemorate this event. This event was held inside Mukobeko Medium Correctional Facility and was graced by the Commissioner General – ZCS Dr. Chisela Chileshe as Guest of Honour. It was attended by the Ministry of Health through a representative from the Central Province Health Office while PHAC and the Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia (CIDRZ) were represented by Mr. Clement N. Moonga the Deputy Chief of Party for CIDRZ’s response to COVID- 19 and Coordinator for the COVID- 19 National Response in Zambian Correctional Facilities.

CIDRZ through its USAID funded Tuberculosis Local Organisations Network (TBLON) project co-supported the hosting of this event with other members of PHAC. CIDRZ through its just ended Elton John AIDS Foundation funded Elton John Juveniles Health (EJJOH) project donated materials for making cloth facemasks to Mukobeko Medium and Mukobeko Female. In addition, the correctional facility received a 49” LED Television Set from CIDRZ through the EJJOH project.

Speaking at the event PHAC and CIDRZ representative Mr. Moonga, advised ZCS and its partners not to let COVID- 19 overshadow TB and HIV interventions in correctional facilities, in order not to lose the grounds gained thus far in the fight against these diseases. 

“There is no doubt that since the outbreak of the COVID- 19 pandemic in our country in March 2020, TB interventions have suffered some setbacks due to the shift in attention to the new enemy. This day would not have come at a better time than now, when we need to remind ourselves of the need to carry on with TB prevention initiatives as always. As I conclude let me reiterate the importance of not forgetting or leaving behind TB and HIV preventive, curative initiatives as we tackle COVID- 19 in the correctional facilities”, Mr. Moonga said.