Doctor says TB is not a death warrant

Dr. Kwaku Anin Karikari, acting Western Regional Health Director, on Tuesday said getting tuberculosis (TB) is not a death warrant and to patients to seek early treatment.

He said the disease, contrary to misconception, is curable and its treatment was still free and accessible in all health facilities across the country.

Dr. Karikari said this at a media briefing as part of activities marking World TB Day in the Region.

He said alcoholics, HIV and AIDS patients, malnourished individuals, tobacco users and cancer patients were highly prone to TB which manifests itself in the form of prolonged cough with blood stains, fevers and weight loss.

Dr. Karikari said any diseases that compromised the agility of one's immune system could expose that individual to TB and therefore appealed to individuals to be watchful of their environment, sanitation and eatinghabit.

He said the Ghana Health Service was looking at reducing mortality and morbidity, rate of transmission as well as preventing drug resistance. Dr. Karikari said discrimination must stop and therefore advocated community management of cases which had a consequential benefit to all.

TB has been described as the second greatest killer after HIV and AIDS due to its single infectious agent.

Globally in 2010, over 8 million people fell ill with TB while 1.4 million died from it and over 2.3 million deaths occurred in Sub-Saharan Africa.

In the Western Region, TBn last year claimed 59 lives, 1,184 cases cured, 859 cases completed whiles 191 suspects defaulted treatment.