Here’s a startling fact: despite advancements in medical science, tuberculosis (TB) remains one of the deadliest infectious diseases globally, claiming over 1.25 million lives in 2023 alone. But what if a simple text message could change this grim reality? The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) is pioneering a groundbreaking study to explore how SMS messaging can revolutionize TB treatment adherence in Ethiopia and Liberia, two nations grappling with some of the highest TB burdens on the continent. And this is the part most people miss: it’s not just about sending reminders—it’s about addressing the deeper barriers that prevent patients from completing their treatment.
Backed by a US$100,000 grant from the World Bank, this initiative runs from November 17 to December 12, 2025, in collaboration with the Ministries of Health in Ethiopia and Liberia, the University of Liberia College of Health Sciences, Dire Dawa University, and the Dire Dawa Health Bureau. Africa CDC’s Science and Innovation Directorate is steering the technical coordination. The study, titled ‘Improving TB Treatment Adherence through Mobile-Phone Messaging: Identifying Barriers, Facilitators, and Adoption Pathways in Ethiopia and Liberia,’ aims to test the effectiveness of SMS reminders while uncovering why digital solutions aren’t always embraced.
But here’s where it gets controversial: while mobile phones are ubiquitous, not everyone has equal access to them, especially in rural or underserved communities. Does relying on SMS technology risk excluding those who need help the most? Dr. Mosoka Fallah, Acting Director of Science and Innovation at Africa CDC, addresses this by emphasizing the study’s focus on patient-centered solutions. ‘By leveraging mobile technology, we can make TB treatment support more accessible and effective, particularly for vulnerable populations,’ he explains. ‘This isn’t just about sending messages—it’s about building a system that works for everyone.’
The study unfolds in two phases: first, a quantitative assessment will measure current adherence levels among 844 TB patients (422 in each country). Next, a pilot intervention will send SMS reminders to 200 patients identified as having low adherence. Both quantitative and qualitative data will be analyzed to shape national TB strategies and continental digital health policies. ‘This isn’t just about TB,’ Dr. Fallah adds. ‘It’s about proving how digital tools can transform public health across Africa.’
Here’s the bold question we’re left with: Can something as simple as a text message truly bridge the gap in global health disparities? While the study’s findings will provide critical evidence for TB control policies, they also challenge us to rethink how we integrate technology into healthcare. What do you think? Is SMS messaging a game-changer, or are we overlooking more fundamental issues? Share your thoughts in the comments—let’s spark a conversation that could shape the future of public health.
About Africa CDC: The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention is the African Union’s autonomous public health agency, dedicated to strengthening health systems, enhancing disease surveillance, and improving emergency response across the continent. Learn more at www.africacdc.org and follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube.
Media Contact: Margaret Edwin, Director of Communication and Public Information, EdwinM@africacdc.org.
