Oluwatobi Adu 
ABUJA, Nigeria – The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention launches a new multi-country study assessing whether simple mobile text messages can improve tuberculosis treatment adherence in Ethiopia and Liberia.
The research, funded with a US$100,000 World Bank grant, began on 17 November and runs until December 2025.
Africa CDC says the study represents a shift toward technology-driven, patient-centred public health solutions, testing whether SMS reminders can help patients remain consistent with medication—a key challenge driving treatment failure and drug-resistant TB.
“This research is significant because it allows us to integrate digital innovation into TB care in Africa,” says Dr Mosoka Fallah, Acting Director of Science and Innovation at Africa CDC. “By leveraging mobile phones, we can make treatment support more accessible and effective.”
TB remains one of the world’s deadliest infections, causing 1.25 million deaths in 2023. Ethiopia and Liberia continue to bear high burdens, reporting incidence rates of 119 and 308 cases per 100,000 people.
The project includes 844 participants, split evenly between both countries. It begins with a baseline assessment before introducing an SMS intervention targeted at patients with poor adherence. The study combines both quantitative and qualitative analysis to guide national TB policy.
“Africa CDC continues to prioritise implementation science that strengthens public health interventions in Member States,” Dr Fallah adds, saying the findings will support Africa’s digital health agenda and accelerate progress toward ending TB by 2035.
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Mirian Gom 
Otamere Gladness 
Edino Chubiyo Cornelius 