By: Audrey Raymonda John
The Executive Director of the 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 (TB) in the country. He made this appeal during his statement commemorating World TB Day 2026, highlighting CISMAT’s ongoing efforts to combat the disease.
Rev. Bangura emphasized, “As we gather to commemorate World TB Day 2026, we are not just observing a date, but renewing our commitment, responsibility, and fight against a disease that affects the lives of our people every single day.”
He described TB as a deadly yet preventable and curable disease that continues to threaten communities, particularly the most vulnerable. “Let me begin by appreciating the National TB Program for your dedication, resilience, and unwavering service to save lives. To our healthcare workers and partners, you are the backbone of this response, and we honor your sacrifices,” he stated.
Rev. Bangura also expressed gratitude to donor partners, particularly the Global Fund and their NGO collaborators, for their financial and technical support over the years. However, he cautioned that declining partner support and limited funding are realities that directly affect people on the ground.
“This is why today, as a civil society, I am making a strong 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. Relying solely on external support is no longer sustainable. Donor priorities can shift at any time, and countries may suddenly have to depend on their own resources. We must act now to build strong, sustainable domestic financing systems to protect our people and our health programs for the future,” he urged.
Rev. Bangura also highlighted the critical role of civil society organizations like CISMAT. He stated that they are more than partners they are the community’s voice, reaching areas where formal systems struggle. They provide education, treatment support, case identification, referrals, and community-led monitoring to ensure no one is left behind.
“While we commend the efforts of the National TB Program and partners, the TB response still faces significant challenges, particularly due to limited funding and declining external support. CISMAT emphasizes the urgent need to increase domestic financing to ensure uninterrupted TB services and improve access to care, especially for the most vulnerable,” he said.
He reaffirmed CISMAT’s commitment to working with the Government, the National TB Program, and all stakeholders to ensure equitable, accessible, and sustainable TB services across Sierra Leone. With the global target to end TB by 2030, Rev. Bangura stressed that strong community engagement, effective civil society participation, and sustainable domestic financing are critical to achieving this goal.