Get to Know Tuberculosis (TB) and Why it Matters
Discover more about tuberculosis (TB) and ways to prevent it.
Every day, Tuberculosis — or TB — silently spreads among us. It’s one of the world’s deadliest infectious diseases, yet it’s preventable and curable.
What is TB?
Did you know TB is caused by bacteria that mainly attack the lungs? But that’s not all — it can spread to other organs too, causing severe, chronic illnesses.
Who is at Risk?
TB doesn’t discriminate. It affects children and adults of all ages. But children are especially vulnerable — their small bodies are no match for this deadly disease.
How Does TB Spread?
When someone with TB coughs, sneezes, talks, or spits — the bacteria are released into the air. Anyone nearby can breathe it in and become infected.
Signs of TB
TB doesn’t always look the same. Common signs include persistent cough, weight loss, and difficulty breathing. For children, it may show up as malnutrition or failure to grow. These signs can be easy to miss — but they can’t be ignored.
TB in Ghana – The Numbers
In Ghana, the National TB Control Program reported over 20,000 cases of TB last year alone — 900 of them were children. That’s 900 children whose lives were put at risk by a disease we can stop.
Free Testing is Available
The good news? TB testing is free in all health facilities across Ghana. Common tests include sputum testing and X-rays. And for babies and young children who can’t produce sputum — there’s now a safe, painless stool-based test available.
Call to Action
TB is serious — but it’s curable if caught early. If you notice anyone — especially a child — showing signs of TB, visit a health facility immediately. Together, we can protect our children and stop TB in Ghana.
