Bayerebon-Number-Three (Ash), June 10, GNA - The District Chief Executive for Atwima-Mponua, Mrs Theresa Adomako Tawiah, has appealed to families to encourage their members, suffering from Tuberculosis (TB), to report to the health facilities for treatment.

This comes amidst the growing cases of the disease in the area. As of the end of April this year, a total of 18 new cases had been reported compared with the previous year's figure of 28.

Mrs Tawiah was speaking at the launch of the District's TB control programme at Bayerebon-Number-Three.

She pledged the resolve of the District Assembly to give the needed support to the district health directorate not only to stop the spread of the infection but its total eradication.

She emphasized the need to step up the education campaign on the disease.

Mrs Elizabeth Danso Adentwi, the District Health Director, said TB was curable and advised that those who showed signs of it should seek early treatment.

She said it was not true, as some people believed that the disease was a punishment from the gods.

Mr Lawrence Adinku, the District Disease Control Officer, said apart from free drugs, patients also receive free meals and transportation, when they report to the hospitals for treatment.

There was therefore no reason for TB patients to stay away from the medical facilities.