The national Tuberculosis (TB) programme is looking at engaging communities to help carry out the fight against TB in the country.
Director Noel Itogo said it is important that communities must involve in this fight against the killer disease.
“One of the main focuses of TB programme is to roll out TB services and engaged communities in identifying and treating people with TB,” Itogo said.
He added that the programme has already developed community based framework with a training manual that would assist community based health workers in the identification and treatment of TB patients.
Itogo said the Ministry of Health and Medical Service and the National TB programme remain vigilant in the fight against TB and are committed to address these challenges.
“We need to find, treat and cure them thereby cutting the chain of transmission of the disease in the communities and at the same time reducing human suffering and adverse economic consequences of the disease.
“Many of those live in very remotest areas and most vulnerable communities and include groups such as people living in informal setting and TB hot-spot areas.”
Itogo thanked the government, Provincial Directors, TB Coordinators, Health Promotion Department, Technical agencies especially WHO and donor partners globally for funding, assisting, and supporting the programme in the effort to control TB.
“If you cough for more than two weeks, fever, night sweats and loss weight, make sure you go to the nearest health area for test.
“TB is curable so make sure you get treatment from the health worker to treat the disease and avoid passing it on to others in your family or community.”
By LESLEY SANGA
