By Samira Larbie
Accra, Mar 26, GNA – Dr. Maame Yaa Nhyira Essel, Ga East Health Director, has urged stakeholders and non-governmental organizations to help district hospitals establish more Tuberculosis testing centres to curb infections and enhance disease management.
She said, despite efforts by the National TB Control Programme to acquire more machines, some facilities still lacked the capacity to perform required TB tests.
Dr. Essel made this appeal during a TB screening, education, and awareness event organised for Dome and its surrounding areas as part of World TB Day celebrations.
“Anyone who believes and is interested in the cause we are championing today, trying to reduce TB in the country, can support.
“Even if you can’t do health education and you have resources, you can support your local hospital, your local government facility. You can go there and find out what they have for TB,” she said.
World TB Day, observed annually on March 24, aims to raise awareness about the impact of the disease.
This year’s theme is “Yes! We Can End TB: Commit, Invest, Deliver.”
Dr. Essel cited stigma, reluctance to seek care, and inadequate logistics as major challenges in TB management.
“This is why we started yesterday, and we are still going out throughout the week, screening and educating to create the needed awareness,” she added.
Mr. Maxwell Attah Ofori, Ga East Municipal TB Coordinator, noted that TB cases continue to rise in the district.
In 2024, the municipality recorded 72 TB cases out of a target of 65, compared to 53 cases out of 40 in 2023.
Pediatric TB increased from zero in 2023 to three confirmed infections in 2024, raising national data to 914.
Mr. Ofori urged mothers to observe signs such as persistent cough, poor growth, malnutrition, and difficulty breathing, and seek prompt medical attention as TB is curable.
Tuberculosis, an infectious disease caused by bacteria, primarily affects the lungs and spreads through the air when infected individuals cough, sneeze, or spit. Symptoms include prolonged cough, chest pain, fatigue, weight loss, fever, and night sweats.
TB is preventable and curable with antibiotics and cured individuals cannot transmit the disease.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has called on countries to ensure the rapid implementation of its guidance and policies, strengthen national strategies, and provide full funding.
It urged leaders to invest in TB prevention, highlighting the importance of community leadership, civil society involvement, and cross-sector collaboration.
The Dome community event also screened residents for hypertension, diabetes, Body Mass Index, and nutritional status.
GNA
KAS