By Cedric Nkungula
First Lady Madame Monica Chakwera has been crowned Malawi Tuberculosis (TB) Champion, a move that is aimed at alleviating the vice by the year 2030.
Madame Chakwera has been appointed to the new role on Wednesday 13th September 2023 during a meeting with the National TB and Leprosy Elimination Program (NTLEP), PARADISO TB Patients Trust and the National Organization of Nurses and Midwives.
Just like many other countries across the globe, Malawi is implementing the End TB Strategy which aims at ensuring reduction in number of TB deaths compared with 2015, reduction in TB incidence rate compared with 2015, among others.
As TB champion, the first lady is expected to lead the country’s efforts in mobilizing financial resources towards TB, fighting stigma and discrimination towards TB affected populations, advocate for better nutrition for TB patients, advocate for multisectoral participation as well as promoting community engagement in the fight against TB.
Speaking to the media after the meeting, Program Manager for NTLEP Dr. James Mpunga said crowning the first lady as TB Champion signifies a huge milestone in the country’s efforts towards ending TB by 2030 and also a strong demonstration at the highest level of the country’s commitment to end TB.
He added that they are humbled by Madame Chakwera’s interest in ensuring that the glaring gender disparities that exist in TB response as well as stigma and discrimination are alleviated.
TB remains the biggest cause of death among people living with HIV. In Malawi the TB / HIV coinfection remains high at 45 percent.
 Champion, a move that is aimed at alleviating the vice by the year 2030. Madame Chakwera…){kind=link}