Africa CDC launches study to test mobile phone messaging for improving tuberculosis treatment adherence in Ethiopia and Liberia

ETHIOPIA— A new study by the Africa CDC is investigating how mobile phone messaging can enhance tuberculosis (TB) treatment adherence in Ethiopia and Liberia, two of Africa’s most affected countries.

Funded by a USD100,000 grant from the World Bank, the study runs from 17 November to 12 December 2025.

The project involves collaboration 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.

Technical oversight is provided by Africa CDC’s Science and Innovation Directorate.

Tuberculosis remains a major global health challenge, with approximately 10.8 million people contracting TB worldwide in 2023 and over 1.25 million deaths reported.

Ethiopia and Liberia rank high among countries burdened by TB, with estimated incidence rates of 119 and 308 cases per 100,000 people, respectively.

Although TB diagnosis and treatment have advanced, medication adherence remains a significant obstacle to effective disease control.

 Poor adherence leads to treatment failures, relapses, and drug-resistant TB strains.

To tackle this issue, the Africa CDC study focuses on using mobile technology as a practical tool.

It tests SMS reminders to encourage patients to follow treatment protocols, identifies barriers to adopting digital technology, and evaluates the impact on patient outcomes.

The study, titled ‘Improving TB Treatment Adherence through Mobile-Phone Messaging: Identifying Barriers, Facilitators, and Adoption Pathways in Ethiopia and Liberia’, will unfold in two phases.

It will begin with a quantitative baseline assessment to gauge current adherence levels among TB patients.

This will be followed by a pilot intervention where patients with low adherence will receive SMS reminders.

A total of 844 TB patients—422 from each country—will participate, with about 200 receiving text message support.

Researchers will use both quantitative and qualitative methods to gather insights that can shape national TB strategies and provide policy recommendations for integrating digital health solutions across the continent.

Dr Mosoka Fallah, Acting Director of Science and Innovation at Africa CDC, emphasized the study’s importance in pushing patient-centered digital innovations in TB care.

By capitalizing on widespread mobile phone use, the initiative aims to make treatment support more accessible and effective, especially for vulnerable groups.

Dr Fallah noted that Africa CDC prioritizes implementation science that directly enhances public health interventions in member states.

This research will generate valuable evidence to support TB programs and contribute to advancing Africa’s digital health agenda.

The study aligns with global and continental goals—including the WHO End-TB Strategy and the African Union’s health priorities—aiming to accelerate progress toward ending TB by 2035.