Chieftainess Mwenda of the Basanje Tonga-speaking people of Southern province has issued a rallying call for action against tuberculosis (TB), urging her community to unite in the fight against this debilitating disease.

The Chieftainess’ call echoes the ongoing efforts of the USAID Tuberculosis Local Organisations Network (TBLON) project, which aims to strengthen local healthcare systems and raise awareness about TB within communities.

Speaking during a recent visit to her palace by representatives from the USAID TBLON project, AFYA MZURI and the Ministry of Health, Chieftainess Mwenda emphasized the urgent need for early detection and treatment to curb the spread of TB.

“Promptly recognizing TB symptoms is crucial. If you experience a persistent cough lasting more than two weeks, chest pain, coughing up blood, unexplained weight loss, night sweats, fever, or fatigue, seek medical attention immediately,” declared Chieftainess Mwenda.

Chieftainess Mwenda commended the crucial role of the USAID TBLON project in supporting the Ministry of Health in improving healthcare access in rural communities.

She called upon her people to support these initiatives by prioritizing their health and encouraging others to do the same.

“This is not merely a health issue,” she stressed, “but a community concern that demands collective action. Let us work together to ensure everyone has access to quality healthcare and support.”

The visit to Chieftainess Mwenda’s palace by CIDRZ, through its USAID-TBLON project, AFYA MZURI, and the Ministry of Health, aimed to enhance TB awareness within the chiefdom and strengthen community-led efforts to combat the disease.