Luanda: Around 4,000 tuberculosis patients abandoned treatment in 2025 in the province of Luanda, a situation that is worrying health authorities due to the risk of worsening of the disease and an increase in resistant cases. The information was given to ANGOP Tuesday by the provincial director of Health, Manuel Varela, in the context of World Tuberculosis Day, which is celebrated today, March 24.
According to Angola Press News Agency, abandoning treatment significantly contributes to the emergence of multi-resistant tuberculosis, a more serious form of the disease, whose treatment is longer, more complex, and, in many cases, requires hospitalization. Manuel Varela highlighted the dangers of interrupted treatment, noting that it can lead to drug resistance, complicating recovery and raising transmission risks.
Despite a reduction in total tuberculosis cases from 30,000 in 2024 to 27,700 in 2025, the high treatment abandonment rate continues to undermine control efforts. The province recorded 711 deaths in 2025, up from approximately 600 the previous year, underscoring the gravity of the situation. Varela emphasized that tuberculosis treatment is free and readily available across numerous health units in the province.
Currently, Luanda boasts 54 units offering "Directly Observed Treatment" (DOT) and 17 units equipped with diagnostic capabilities, including tests like bacilloscopy and X-ray. Varela pointed out that factors such as inadequate living conditions, economic challenges, and malnutrition remain significant contributors to both the onset of the disease and the discontinuation of treatment.
He further identified the municipalities of Cazenga and Cacuaco as the most affected areas, with the disease predominantly impacting the adult population, especially men aged 15 to 45. In light of these challenges, Varela urged the population to adhere more responsibly to prescribed treatments.
