TB still killing in Ghana despite free treatment — Dr Totimeh

Consultant neurosurgeon Teddy Totimeh has warned that tuberculosis (TB) remains a major public health threat in Ghana, with a significant number of cases going undetected despite free treatment.

Speaking on the Asaase Breakfast Show on Thursday (26 March), Dr Totimeh said Ghana is still a TB-endemic country, noting that nearly 70% of people who contract the disease are not diagnosed.

“About one-third of those who develop tuberculosis in Ghana will lose their lives,” he said, stressing the urgency of increased awareness and screening.

Drawing from personal experience, Dr. Totimeh revealed he contracted TB early in his medical career after prolonged exposure to infected patients and weakened immunity. He said his condition went undiagnosed for a period because symptoms were mistaken for malaria and typhoid.

He explained that TB is transmitted through prolonged close contact and primarily affects the lungs, but can spread through the bloodstream to other parts of the body, including the brain and spine—causing complications such as paralysis, meningitis, and even stroke.

Dr. Totimeh linked the disease to poverty and overcrowding, explaining that poor nutrition weakens immunity and increases the risk of latent TB becoming active.

He cautioned against ignoring persistent coughs, recurrent fever, or coughing blood, and warned that stopping medication midway contributes to drug-resistant TB.

“TB is treatable, but only if treatment is completed,” he said, urging improved screening, better living conditions, and strict adherence to medication to curb the disease.