The Executive Director at Civil Society Movement Against Tuberculosis in Sierra Leone (CISMAT-SL), Rev. Paul Brima Bangura has called for urgent and sustained national action to end tuberculosis in Sierra Leone.
He made this call during his statement in commemorating World TB Day on Tuesday 24th March, 2026, highlighting the organization’s efforts to combat tuberculosis in Sierra Leone.
Rev. Bangura furthered that as they gathered to commemorate World TB Day 2026, they are not just observing a date, but were renewing a commitment, a responsibility, and a fight that affects the lives of their people every single day.
“Tuberculosis remains a deadly but preventable and curable disease. Yet, it continues to threaten our communities, especially the most vulnerable among us,” he submitted.
“Let me begin by appreciating the National TB Program. Your dedication, resilience, and unwavering service continue to save lives. To our healthcare workers and partners, you are the backbone of this response, and we honor your sacrifice.”
He also went on by thanking donor partners, especially the Global Fund and their TB NGO partners for the funding and technical support provided over the years.
However, he disclosed that limited funding and shrinking partner support are not just statistics, they are realities affecting real people. They mean delayed diagnosis, interrupted treatment, and preventable deaths.
“This is why today; as a civil society I am making a strong and urgent call to Government: Let us invest in our own health. Let us fund our TB response. Let us take ownership of ending TB in Sierra Leone.
Because relying solely on external support is no longer sustainable. Recent global funding uncertainties have shown us that donor priorities can shift at any time. One day, external support may reduce significantly, and countries will be left to depend on their own resources. We must not wait for that moment. The time to act is now, to build strong, sustainable domestic financing systems that will protect our people and our health programs into the future,” he said.
Speaking on the power of civil society organizations like CISMAT, Rev. Bangura revealed that they were not just partners, they are community voices, adding that they go where systems struggle to reach, educate, support, advocate, and hold systems accountable.
“Through community education, treatment support, case identification and referrals, community-led monitoring, thus, ensure that no one is left behind.”
“While we commend the efforts of the National TB Program and partners in saving lives, the TB response continues to face significant challenges, particularly due to limited funding and declining external support.
CISMAT emphasizes the urgent need for increased domestic financing to ensure uninterrupted TB services and improved access to care, especially for vulnerable populations.
He concluded that civil society remains a key partner in the TB response through community education, treatment support, case identification, and accountability mechanisms such as Community-Led Monitoring. “With the global target to end TB by 2030, only four years remain to accelerate efforts. Immediate and coordinated action is critical to meeting this goal.
CISMAT reaffirms its commitment to working with Government, the National TB Program, and all stakeholders to ensure equitable, accessible, and sustainable TB services for all.”
