Dar es Salaam, March 31 -- SALOMON (not real name), in his 30s, arrives for his consultation with an envelope containing the results of his laboratory tests and an x-ray of his lungs, which he hands to Amélie Makoundou, public health assistant at the Brazzaville Tuberculosis (TB) Centre.

After a thorough inspection, Makoundou says: “Its okay, youre cured.” Salomon remains impassive, as if he hasnt heard what the assistant said. She repeats: “You can stop treatment, you are cured.”

Salomon, who has just completed six months of treatment, thanks Makoundou and leaves with a broad smile.

Diagnosis plays a central role in the fight against TB, enabling rapid detection and treatment. It starts with monitoring chr...