Wamfie (B/A), Aug.16, Space FM - Ghanaians have been advised against excessive drinking of alcoholic beverages, especially the local gin-akpeteshie, since the practice weakens the lung’s immune system, where Tuberculosis (TB) mostly affects the human body.

The Disease Control Officer of the Dormaa East Directorate of the Ghana Health Service, Mr. Michael Donkor, gave the advice at a durbar to launch a campaign against TB in the district.

Mr. Donkor continued that TB is a disease caused by germs which attack any part of the human body but mostly people suffer TB of the lungs.

He said TB of the lung is the most infectious type which spreads rapidly from the infected person to an uninfected person through coughing, sneezing, spiting in front of others.

The disease control officer added that in Ghana, available records indicate that every year, 52, 000 people which include adults and children, are affected with TB. He noted that about half of the number dies because of lack of proper treatment. Mr. Donkor said TB is curable and that treatment is free. He said from January to June, 2001, the district diagnoses 8 cases of TB with one dead recorded.

The Dormaa Health District Director of Health Service, Madam Rebecca Domo, entreated the public to avoid discriminating against people with TB

She pointed out that discriminating against people with TB prevents infected persons from volunteering for counseling and testing.

The Gyaasehene of Dormaa Akwamu, Ampaabeng Kyeremeh, who chaired the function, appealed to health staff not to reveal the identity of people with TB to avoid being stigmatized.

Source: Obiba Moses Addo, Space FM, Sunyani