25 March 2025 – Yesterday, SAYWHAT joined Zimbabwe and the global community in commemorating World TB Day under the empowering theme, “Yes! We Can End TB: Commit, Invest, Deliver.” The event, hosted by the Ministry of Health and Child Care at Mahusekwa District Hospital in Mashonaland East Province, demonstrated the nation’s unwavering commitment to the fight against tuberculosis (TB).

SAYWHAT TB champions played a pivotal role in this year’s commemoration, leading an interactive exhibition that inspired youth across Mashonaland East. They tackled TB-related stigma head-on urging young individuals to take transformative action—a testament to SAYWHAT’s dedication to raising awareness and eliminating TB by 2030.

The highlight of the event was the launch of the Youth-Focused Rights and Literacy Manual for TB, a trailblazing resource crafted through SAYWHAT’s Young People Organized for Universal Access to Tuberculosis and HIV Services (YOUTHS) project with the support of Stop TB Partnership. This manual seeks to empower young people by deepening their understanding of TB while complementing Zimbabwe’s TB control guidelines.

TB is a global public health challenge, ranking as the second-leading infectious killer after COVID-19. In Zimbabwe, 2023 data revealed that 10% of notified TB cases were among youths aged 15 to 24, with 36% of these cases co-infected with HIV. Despite its prevalence, many young individuals lack awareness about TB transmission and treatment, leading to fear, stigma, and delayed action. The manual seeks to address these gaps, enabling youth to assert their rights, access quality TB services, and make informed health decisions.

During the event, the Honourable Minister of Health and Child Care, Dr. Douglas Mombeshora, emphasized the manual’s transformative power:

“Our youth are the torchbearers of our future. It is imperative that they are equipped with knowledge, confidence, and the ability to articulate and participate in the fight against TB. This manual is a vital tool that enables them to advocate effectively for their rights and the rights of others.”

Dr. Mombeshora celebrated Zimbabwe’s progress in TB control, citing advancements in case findings, community screening, and prioritization of high-risk groups. Integrated TB screening alongside other diseases like HIV, diabetes, and cancer was advocated to strengthen service delivery.

Echoing his sentiments, Dr. Mugurungi, Director of AIDS & TB in Zimbabwe, underscored the importance of raising awareness and reducing stigma to reach vulnerable populations. He called on all citizens to unite and make TB services accessible to everyone in need.

SAYWHAT TB champions shared their reflections on contributing to the manual’s development:

“I’m thrilled to have attended the launch and to have been part of a document that will empower other young people to be assertive and empowered.” – Alexa Sumbureru, Harare Institute of Technology

“We broke down the complex terms that often deter young people from engaging in TB advocacy. The youth-friendly language in the manual is what I appreciate the most.” – Leeroy Mpofu, Midlands State University

“The TB manual will serve as a guiding tool, helping young people to make informed health decisions while reducing TB stigma at college and community levels.” – Kelvin Bepete, University of Zimbabwe

Speaking with ZBC TV, SAYWHAT Advocacy Specialist Isabella Michael highlighted the accessibility of the Youth-Focused Rights and Literacy Manual. She emphasized that the manual is available on the SAYWHAT website and in SAYWHAT Resource Centres across various provinces, specifically in institutions of higher learning. Additionally, young people can call SAYWHAT’s toll-free number, 577, for further details on accessing the manual within their respective provinces.