More TB cases to be detected in V/R

Ho, May 5, GNA - A total of 1,248 out of an estimated 3,858 new tuberculosis cases were identified in the Volta Region in 2004. Dr. Andrew Arde-Acquah, Volta Regional Director of the Ghana Health Service (GHS) announced this at the Volta Regional Launch of the National Tuberculosis Day in Ho on Thursday. It was under the theme, "Cure One Disease: Prevent Many. Fight TB Everywhere".

Referring to the 2,610 cases yet to be detected, Dr. Arde-Acquah said, "we have to detect and put them on treatment" because of the infectious nature of pulmonary TB.

Dr. Arde-Acquah said, "families and friends should encourage patients to go for treatment and continue the treatment as long as necessary."

He said it is important that individuals and communities are informed about the symptoms of the disease, its mode of transmission and the fact that it could be cured when reported early.

Mr. Theophilus B. Osei-Awuah, the Regional TB Co-ordinator told newsmen that lack of funds was a limitation to efforts to carry out outreach programmes on the disease.

Mr. Osei-Awuah said some patients who have been identified gave wrong addresses because of stigmatisation.

He said it is important that anybody who has been coughing continuously for three weeks should report to hospital to be diagnosed. Meanwhile, Dora Memorial JSS emerged winners of a quiz contest as part of the launch.

Sonrise rpt Sonrise JSS and Kabore JSS came second and third respectively.