Early detection and treatment key to combating Tuberculosis — Health Experts
Speaking on Voices of Change, on the back of the recently observed World TB Day held on the theme 'Yes! We can end TB!, Sophia Adala, a Disease Control Officer said Tuberculosis, though preventable and curable, continues to affect and claim many lives.
Health Officials from the Kassena- Nanakana Municipal Health Directorate in the Upper East Region have advised that early reporting and full treatment of Tuberculosis (TB) remines the most effective way to reduce the number of TB related deaths.
Speaking on Voices of Change, on the back of the recently observed World TB Day held on the theme ‘Yes! We can end TB!, Sophia Adala, a Disease Control Officer said Tuberculosis, though preventable and curable, continues to affect and claim many lives.
“Tuberculosis is an infectious disease that mainly affects the lungs but it can also affect any part of the body including the brain, spine and the bones.” Adala said.
She further noted that the disease is caused by the bacterium, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, and is usually identified through signs and symptoms including prolonged coughing, fever, loss of appetite among others.
Roland Logonia, a Community Health Nurse who also featured on the show, said the disease is infectious and airborne.
“It spreads through air droplets when someone with active lung TB coughs, sneezes, talks, or sings; when people nearby breathe it in they may be infected.” Logonia explained.
Logonia noted that all age groups are at risk but it climbs in crowded places, persons with weak immunity, excessive smokers, or close contact with an active case. He again lamented misconceptions around TB to be coughing during intercourse, TB is a thing of the past among others.
Theresah Akanbey, a midwife contributing to the discussion said stigmatization keeps people away from seeking early treatment until the situation worsens.
“If you stigmatize someone suffering from TB, the person will try to hide it and that is dangerous for those closer to them and the general public because it is a contagious disease.” she said.
The health practitioners admonished families and society to support TB patients by encouraging them to take their medications and give them emotional and psychological support. stressing that treatment for TB is absolutely free of charge.
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