Mporokoso — Government has called for collaborative efforts to identify people living with Tuberculosis (TB) but are not on treatment.

Northern Province Permanent Secretary Bernard Mpundu has noted that the province still faces a high burden of Tuberculosis (TB) cases.
Mr Mpundu said this is despite making progress in TB prevention through attaining a TB treatment success of 97.1 percent, where more patients were identified and treated early in the past years.
He also highlighted the need for the province to urgently work on the low uptake of TB preventive therapy among under five children who are in contact with TB patients.
He reminded the community that Government will continue to ensure anti TB medicines are fully integrated in the national supply chain mechanism and provided free of charge in public health facilities.

“Persons with Tuberculosis disease should be suspected early, tested, diagnosed, and treated fully to get cured. The disease is curable; once cured, their livelihood and economic productivity will improve, and they will also stop spreading the disease to other people.” Mr Mpundu said.

The permanent secretary said in a speech read on his behalf by Northern Province Health Director, Dr.Ernest Mutale during the commemoration of 2024 World TB Day in Mporokoso District.
And Mporokoso District Commissioner Brian Mayuni who was represented by Administrative Officer Lucy Nakatali urged the community to help end TB by 2030.
Mr Mayuni also assured the people of Mporokoso that Government prioritizes the health sector.
He reminded people that TB is an airborne disease that can be passed from one person to another by spitting, coughing, and sneezing of the infected person.
And USAID Tuberculosis Local Organisation Network (TBLON) Regional TB Technical Leader Richmond Muleya revealed that cooperating partners are with the Ministry of Health to make proper TB diagnoses.

Dr.Muleya said early diagnosis is key as it ensures patients are put on treatment on time.

“The theme is timely, and health practitioners are thriving to end TB by 2030″
Chief Mumporokoso’s representative, Fube Musawa thanked the Government for giving full support to the people living with TB in the district.
He promised to continue sensitizing people about disease prevention.
The 2024 World TB Day was held under the theme “Yes, !we can end TB.”

ZANIS