Health
THE Anambra State Ministry of Health plans to partner the World Health Organisation, WHO, to stem tuberculosis in four wards in Idemili North Local Government Area, LGA.
Free tuberculosis tests and treatment were conducted at Holy Cross Parish, St Paul’s Church, Old Mercedes parts and New parts Markets, Nkpor.
In a speech at a medical outreach, Dr Chukwuka Ebele, Drug Resistance in Tuberculosis, Teaching Hospital, Neni said that tuberculosis was on the increase in Nigeria.
Based on that the Anambra Ministry of health, WHO and other International Non-governmental health agencies created awareness to stem the spread of the disease.
“The aim of the programme is to sensitise as well as check the fast spreading of the disease in communities, run tests on individuals sputum and give out free medications to positive coughers,’’ Ebele noted.
Out of ignorance people cough more than two weeks which should be investigated in order to administer proper medication and eradicate the spread of the disease.
She adds: “tuberculosis disease is contagious, especially when a person’s immune system drops; for instance HIV patients.
Njideka Okpala, Tuberculosis and Leprosy Supervisor, Idemili North LGA, said that the exercise was on active search of tuberculosis, leprosy and Buruli ulcer, as well coughers of more than two weeks especially this harmattan season.
“The patient’s sputum will be taken to gene experts when the result becomes positive it will be referred to the nearest health facilities and centres for free drug administration.
Okpala pointed out the signs and symptoms of tuberculosis as persistent coughing, night sweats, fever, weight loss and fatigue.
She disclosed that chest x-ray would be conducted for children of age 0-15 free of charge at Iyienu and Immaculate Heart Hospitals for diagnosis.
– Dec. 10, 2019 @ 13:25 GMT
Tags: Anambra Government partners WHO to stem spread of tuberculosis
