TB stigma remains high in Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe has made significant strides in reducing the national tuberculosis (TB) burden, yet stigma surrounding the disease remains alarmingly high, outpacing HIV-related stigma. Health experts are calling on the media to play a more active role in reshaping public attitudes and encouraging early treatment.

Dr Donald Tobaiwa, Executive Director of Jointed Hands Welfare Organization, highlighted the issue during a media sensitization meeting on drug-resistant TB in Kwekwe last week. According to the latest stigma index assessment, TB stigma in Zimbabwe stands at 49 percent, compared with 22 percent for HIV, underscoring the urgent need for awareness campaigns.

Dr Tobaiwa emphasized the impact of self-stigma, which often prevents individuals from seeking timely treatment. Drawing parallels with the early stages of COVID-19, he explained that fear and misconceptions—ranging from beliefs in witchcraft to assumptions of inevitable death—can discourage patients from disclosing their condition or seeking help. "TB is preventable, treatable, and curable. There is no need to be afraid of TB," he said.

He also noted that community attitudes contribute significantly to stigma, accounting for 20 percent, while workplace discrimination contributes 6 percent and structural stigma in health facilities accounts for around 2.9 percent. "If we address all these points through media engagement, we can significantly reduce stigma and support TB patients," Dr Tobaiwa said.

Zimbabwe's estimates on drug-resistant TB are based on the 2015–2016 National Drug Resistance Survey. Drug-resistant TB was recorded at 1.8 percent among new cases and 4.6 percent among previously treated cases. In 2016, 510 multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB) cases were detected, with 95 percent initiated on treatment. However, a Ministry of Health officer noted that the next DR-TB survey was halted due to funding challenges. In 2024, only 38 percent of expected MDR-TB cases were diagnosed, although 94 percent of those identified were initiated on treatment.

The findings underscore the ongoing need for public education, early diagnosis, and consistent treatment support to curb both TB and its associated stigma in Zimbabwe.