Ngoma: Zambezi Regional Governor Dorothy Kabula has declared that ending tuberculosis (TB) is achievable if the region embraces 'energised community partnerships' and resilience. Speaking at a belated TB commemoration event in Ngoma, Katima Rural Constituency, Kabula emphasized the importance of collective responsibility in combating the disease. According to Namibia Press Agency, the event was commemorated under the theme 'Yes! We Can End TB. Led by Countries. Powered by the People,' which Kabula described as a directive to foster collaboration. In her speech, the governor stated, 'It reminds us that while global solidarity matters, national leadership must be decisive and community ownership is indispensable. It tells us that ending TB is within our reach but only if we combine strong government leadership with active community participation.' Kabula highlighted the ongoing threat of TB, noting that the disease remains a leading global infectious killer. Last year alone, over 10.7 million people fell ill, and 1.23 million lost their lives due to TB worldwide. In the Zambezi Region, 343 TB cases were reported last year, a figure Kabula noted as significantly high. On a national level, Kabula reported that 8,370 patients were notified of TB infections last year, including 293 cases of drug-resistant TB. 'This challenge is particularly acute in the Zambezi Region. Zambezi is sparsely populated but holds the highest TB notification rate of any region in Namibia,' she stated. Despite these challenges, Kabula stressed that Namibia has made significant progress. The country achieved a treatment success rate of 87 percent in 2024, just 3 percent shy of the World Health Organisation (WHO) target. Additionally, Namibia surpassed WHO targets with a 75 percent treatment success rate for drug-resistant TB. Kabula also noted a decline in the HIV-positivity rate among TB patients, from 65 percent in 2005 to 32 percent in 2025, showcasing the strides made in public health efforts.