Tema, Sept 15, GNA - The Tuberculosis (TB) Unit of Tema Metropolitan Health Directorate has recorded a total of 185 cases of the disease in the area, between January and June this year. Ms Katherina Dedo Kwao, Tema TB Co-ordinator, who released the figures, said that 100 cases were recorded in the first quarter while 85 cases were detected in the second quarter.

She was speaking at a day's educational forum on the disease at Tema Manhean on Tuesday, as part of a year-long programme to commemorate this year's World TB Day, which was celebrated worldwide on March 24 this year on the theme: "I Am Stopping TB".

Ms Kwao said 21 persons, representing 25 percent of 85 cases, recorded in the second quarter, also tested HIV positive.

She said that during the second quarter of 2007, 103 cases were recorded and 79 cases identified in 2008 and statistics showed that people in the productive age were mostly affected by TB. Ms Kwao said that in the first half of this year, two children aged up to 14 had TB and nine persons between 15 and 24 years were also detected to be infected with the disease.

She said a total of 21 cases were detected among parsons between 25 and 34 years and 24 persons between 35 and 44 years had TB. Ms Kwao said nine persons between 45 and 54 years were detected to have contracted the disease and five persons within 55 and 64 years age group had TB while two persons with the disease were more than 65 years old. Ms Kwao expressed regret that the Metropolis was unable to meet the national 70 percent detection target, recording 35 percent for the first quarter and 30 percent for the second quarter due to lack of adequate funds for frequent education and screening.

She said that two "relapse cases" were recorded at the Manhean Clinic during the period, propelling the Directorate to intensify its TB education in the area.

Dr Ernestina Mensah-Quainoo, Tema Metropolitan Health Director, urged executives of organizations and social groupings to encourage their members to test and get treatment for TB, which according to him was free.

She said that a break in TB treatment could worsen the health of a patient and spread the disease.

Dr Mensah-Quainoo advised people, particularly those with TB, to cover their mouths when coughing and sneezing and avoid spitting haphazardly as that could spread the disease. The Directorate provided free HIV and TB screening for Tema Manhean residents during the forum. 16 Sept 09 Attention recipients, item 01 ends first cast.