Mfuleni clinic says it is concerned about people contracting tuberculosis (TB) at an alarming rate and they are encouraging regular screenings to prevent the spread of the disease.
World TB Day is celebrated annually on March 24 to raise awareness of TB, the status of TB prevention and care efforts.
Addressing community members during a World TB Day event held at the clinic on Friday March 22, nurse Thuliswa Matshoba said the TB is spreading at a high rate in Mfuleni. She attributed this to the number of new informal settlements in the area.
“TB remains a pressing issue here. The high rate is becoming a worry and a concern. That is why we are urging people to come to the clinic to test and be screened. We have also introduced TBT (TB preventive treatment), where we visit homes of those affected and try to test all.”
She said TPT is given to people who have been exposed to TB infection, those infected with TB bacteria or people who are at higher risk of developing the disease, to destroy any TB bacteria before the development of active disease. “We do house visits and isolate those that we can. That is why we are urging people to come for screening so we can help them,” she told Vukani.
She made a call on community members to take the lead in the fight against TB and HIV/Aids. “People, young and old, must be change agents, so that they can play a leading role in informing, educating and mobilising others to help end these epidemics.”
Nurse Veronica Swaarts also encouraged the members of the community to stand together in the fight against the disease. She said if people are united in the fight, TB can be defeated.
“Tuberculosis (TB) is curable. For those who are infected the only thing to do is to take their medication. For us to win against TB, people must be tested and screened. This facility is here for you. We all have to get up and start taking measures, which will see us stopping the spread of TB,” she told the gathering, which included law enforcement agencies, youth representatives, home-based care workers and local community policing forums.
She said people must not shy away from taking TB tests for fear of being stigmatised.
NGOs such as Task, #keready, Desmond Tutu TB Care and Vaxxed and Relaxed and traditional dance groups were also in attendance.
Community member Sizwe Nofemele who was among the onlookers said he was happy to learn facts about TB. He said all along he thought the treatment was two to three years but now knows it is only six months.
“This was educational to me and I assume some of the people here. I can agree that I have been in the dark about the disease. I am happy to have attended this day. I have learned a few things that I will be able to pass to others,” he said.
People were entertained by singing and dance groups.
