A SHARP rise in tuberculosis deaths from 7.2 to 10.2 per 100,000 people in just a year has pushed Fiji to its highest recorded TB mortality rate.
Assistant Minister for Health Penioni Ravunawa confirmed that TB mortality reached 10.2 per 100,000 people in 2024, the highest ever recorded under the national TB program.
“The highest ever recorded for the national TB program, compared to 7.2 per 100,000 in 2023,” he said.
Mr Ravunawa said the figures highlighted the severity of the current situation.
“These figures highlight the urgent need to strengthen our early detection, our treatment adherence, and community-based prevention strategies.”
He said the rise in deaths reflected broader challenges in controlling the disease and ensuring effective care across the country.
He emphasised that a major challenge was the delayed detection of tuberculosis, often caused by patients seeking medical attention too late.
“The laxity of the patient because TB will just present as a simple cough that we take lightly, we just use our home remedy, steam at home using the leaves that are around the house to try to relieve our coughing symptoms.”
Mr Ravunawa stressed that it was important people seek medical attention when met with unusual symptoms.
“If someone catches the bacteria then it is important that they undergo comprehensive treatment process from early detection, early testing and early treatment.”
He said ending TB would require strong national commitment and coordinated action across all levels of society.
“Ending TB requires a strong political will, sustained investment in health system, integrated public health strategies, and increased community awareness and engagement.”
He warned that without stronger intervention, TB would continue to pose a serious threat to public health.
