Lilongwe records 15,000 tuberculosis cases every month
Lilongwe District Health Office (DHO) is recording around 15, 000 new cases of tuberculosis (TB) every month, a medical officer has disclosed.
Dr James Mbewe said this on the side-lines of a TB Open Day held at Chitsime Full Primary School to raise awareness and dispel myths surrounding the disease.
“In Lilongwe District, the number of TB cases is very high. I am not sure of the specific number, but the number of TB cases is as much as 15 000 per month,” said Mbewe.
The Story Workshop Education Trust organised the open day with financial support from the Global Fund through Action Aid and Project Hope.
Mbewe noted that the campaigns have enabled community members to visit their nearest health centres to seek hospital assistance and, when diagnosed TB positive, get necessary treatment.
“Lilongwe DHO can combat TB because The Story Workshop is sensitising communities on the signs and symptoms of the disease and how they can prevent it,” he said.
Story Workshop Project Officer, Given Chichitike, said his organisation has deployed over 166 drama clubs in all the 28 districts, which are raising awareness on the disease through art and comedy.
Chichitike said drama groups have been trained in theatre for development to enable them relay relevant messages to the public.
“Research shows that TB has been spreading at an alarming rate in the country. So, together with the government and other partners, we thought it wise to bring more awareness to the communities so that they know the signs and symptoms of the disease,” he said.
Chichitike said The Story Workshop has engaged the services of community volunteers who are going about collecting sputum from people suspected to have contracted TB, which they take to the nearest health centre for examination.
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