Rising tuberculosis cases drive new mobile clinic outreach in Teso

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Soroti Regional Referral Hospital has received a sh1.2 billion mobile tuberculosis (TB) clinic van from the Ministry of Health to strengthen screening, diagnosis and outreach services across the Teso sub-region.

The development comes as health authorities in eastern Uganda intensify efforts to combat tuberculosis, following rising case numbers that continue to highlight persistent public health challenges in the Teso sub-region.

The Teso sub-region, which includes Soroti, Kapelebyong, Amuria, Serere and Kaberamaido districts, has recorded a steady increase in tuberculosis cases. In the last quarter of 2025, covering October to December, 476 patients were diagnosed, with the highest numbers reported in these districts.

Health officials note that young adults aged between 20 and 25 years are among the most affected groups, underscoring the need for targeted awareness campaigns and early treatment.

Uganda's TB burden

Uganda remains among the 30 high-burden countries for tuberculosis globally, with an estimated 96,000 new cases reported each year.

According to the World Health Organization, approximately 86,000 patients were diagnosed with TB in 2023, while about 10,000 cases went undetected, increasing the risk of continued transmission within communities.

About 35 percent of notified TB cases are co-infected with HIV, while roughly 2 percent involve drug-resistant TB, further complicating treatment outcomes.

Uganda’s overall TB incidence remains significantly higher than the global average of 102 cases per 100,000 people, with about 198 cases per 100,000 population recorded in 2023.

The newly delivered mobile clinic van, which is equipped with computer-aided diagnostic software, is expected to expand tuberculosis screening and testing services throughout the region.

Health officials say the mobile unit will help reach underserved communities, improve early detection and enable faster initiation of treatment.

Didas Tugummisirize, the national coordinator for mobile TB clinics, said the arrival of the van marks a major milestone in expanding access to tuberculosis care across the Teso sub-region.

Medical radiographer Moses Eyaru from the National TB and Leprosy Programme said the mobile clinic will also support Soroti Regional Referral Hospital in strengthening its role as a referral facility, given its large catchment area.

High TB burden linked to health‑seeking barriers

Sister Ruth Frances Ajoket, the Regional TB and Leprosy Coordinator for Teso, reported that 467 patients were diagnosed with TB in the last quarter alone. She cautioned that fear of visiting health facilities remains a major barrier, leading to delayed diagnosis and continued transmission.

Health experts emphasise that tuberculosis spreads through the air when infected individuals cough or sneeze, making community awareness and early screening essential. Despite the availability of diagnostic services, health data indicate that many symptomatic individuals do not seek timely care, resulting in missed opportunities for early intervention.

Community support and next steps

Benzy Omoya, the principal hospital administrator, thanked the Ministry of Health for providing the mobile clinic and assured the public that the facility would be effectively managed for the benefit of the wider community.

Health officials and partners say they are intensifying public education on TB symptoms, prevention and treatment to reduce stigma and improve health-seeking behaviour.

Expanded services, including mobile outreach, integrated TB and HIV testing and rapid diagnostics, are seen as critical to aligning national efforts with the World Health Organization’s End TB Strategy, which aims to significantly reduce tuberculosis incidence and deaths by 2030.