TB is a curable disease if patients test early and take their treatment correctly. This was the message carried at the World TB Day Commemoration at Hlahlindlela Sports Ground in KwaNgcolosi on 25 March 2014.
World TB Day is commemorated annually on 24 March 2014 and aims to educate and encourage communities about the importance of early testing and compliance with TB treatment to ensure that patients enjoy full recovery.
Prince Nhlanganiso Zulu, KwaZulu-Natal TB Ambassador and former patient, said that TB does not discriminate and emphasised the importance of testing early. “I urge community members to support people suffering from TB, as the healing process is very lonely and sufferers need all the assistance and support they can get.”
Mayor, Cllr James Nxumalo, urged patients to take their treatment correctly and consistently to ensure speedy recovery. “TB is a contagious disease, but is treatable. We cannot over-emphasize on the importance of early testing and correct use of treatment. It is also important to exercise and keep fit to minimise the risk of contracting the disease.”
MEC of Health, Dr Sibongiseni Dhlomo, explained how people breathe in the TB virus on a daily basis. “Some of us do not suffer from the disease because our immune systems are strong. However, if the immune system is weakened then the virus has an opportunity to attack. That is why you should regularly test, even if you do not feel ill.”
According to a report by the KZN Department of Health, KwaZulu-Natal had a total of 101 037 TB cases in 2012 of which 7884 (7.8%) were children under the age of 5 years. The TB incidence is 1090 per 100 000 population which accounts for 31% of all TB cases reported in the country,
Councillor Bodyguards