Health 8 April 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Teso Region on High Alert After 14 New TB Cases Detected
Health authorities in Uganda's Teso sub-region are intensifying efforts following the identification of 14 new tuberculosis cases from a recent mobile clinic screening of 482 participants. All patients are now in treatment, with contact tracing underway amid concerns over potential household spread and treatment adherence issues. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/teso-on-alert-over-new-tb-cases-5416636
Health workers in the Teso sub-region have raised the alarm after detecting 14 new tuberculosis (TB) cases during a mobile clinic screening last month. Out of 482 attendees, these cases were confirmed, prompting immediate action.
The TB Clinic Van, stationed at Soroti Regional Referral Hospital, provided free testing services that led to this discovery. Sr Ruth Frances Ajoket, Teso’s TB and Leprosy Coordinator, confirmed that all 14 individuals have started treatment. Contact tracing for family members and close associates is ongoing.
“We expect more cases since they’ve been living with families and coughing, likely infecting others at home,” Sr Ajoket warned. She highlighted challenges like patients abandoning treatment due to drug side effects, myths, and witchcraft beliefs, which lead to drug resistance.
Since December last year, over 500 TB cases have been recorded in Teso, with hotspots in Serere, Kaberamaido, Amuria, and Kapelebyong districts near Karamoja and Lango.
TB spreads through the air and shows symptoms like persistent cough, chest pain, and coughing blood, per global health guidelines. Sr Janet Alabo, Soroti’s Acting DHO for maternal health, stressed early intervention: “Even a cough lasting three days warrants concern.”
This story is based on a report from the Daily Monitor.