The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has embarked on a new study exploring how mobile phone messaging can strengthen tuberculosis (TB) treatment adherence in Ethiopia and Liberia, two of Africa’s most heavily affected countries.
The research, backed by a US$100,000 World Bank grant, started on 17 November 2025 and will run until 12 December 2025.
It is being conducted in partnership with the Ministries of Health in both countries, the University of Liberia College of Health Sciences, Dire Dawa University and the Dire Dawa Health Bureau, while technical coordination is being led by Africa CDC’s Science and Innovation Directorate.
Tuberculosis remains one of the world’s most persistent public health threats. In 2023 alone, an estimated 10.8 million people were infected globally, with more than 1.25 million deaths recorded.
Ethiopia and Liberia continue to carry a high burden of the disease, with incidence rates of 119 and 308 cases per 100,000 population respectively.
Although diagnosis and treatment services have improved across the continent, treatment adherence remains a critical obstacle, often leading to treatment failure, relapse and the rise of drug-resistant TB.
To help bridge this gap, Africa CDC is turning to digital innovation. The study, titled Improving TB Treatment Adherence through Mobile-Phone Messaging: Identifying Barriers, Facilitators, and Adoption Pathways in Ethiopia and Liberia, seeks to test whether structured SMS reminders can support patients to consistently take their medication.
Africa CDC Acting Director of Science and Innovation, Dr Mosoka Fallah, said the study will also identify the barriers that hinder the adoption of digital health tools and assess their overall impact on treatment outcomes.
“This research is significant because it provides an opportunity to integrate digital innovation into TB care in Africa, advancing patient-centred solutions that address real-world barriers to treatment adherence,” he said.
“By leveraging the widespread use of mobile phones, we can make TB treatment support more accessible, responsive and effective, particularly for vulnerable communities.”
According to Africa CDC, the research will unfold in two phases: a baseline quantitative assessment to measure current adherence levels, followed by a pilot intervention targeting patients with low adherence.
A total of 844 TB patients, 422 in each country, will be enrolled, with approximately 200 receiving SMS reminders.
“Africa CDC continues to prioritise implementation science that directly strengthens public health interventions in Member States,” Dr Fallah said.
“This initiative will not only generate actionable evidence for TB programmes but also contribute to the broader digital health agenda in Africa.”
The findings are expected to guide TB policies in Ethiopia, Liberia and other African Union Member States and support efforts to end TB by 2035 in line with the WHO End-TB Strategy and AU health priorities.
Support CITE’s fearless, independent journalism. Your donation helps us amplify community voices, fight misinformation, and hold power to account. Help keep the truth alive. Donate today