Ministry to commemorate World TB day this Friday

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WORLD Tuberculosis Day will be commemorated by the Ministry of Health and Medical Services on Friday, March 22.

The day will focus on the theme “Its Time To End TB in my Generation”, and will include oratory contests and poster competitions in designated schools, and awareness sessions followed by TB screening for the general public in selected communities.

According to a statement, Tuberculosis (TB) is a disease that is caused by the bacteria Mycobacterium tuberculosis that mainly affects the lungs of infected individuals but can also affect other vital organs in the body.

In 2016, WHO’s estimated Global incidence and mortality rate for TB was respectively, 10.4 million and 1.3 million persons.

In Fiji, the 2017 data on TB published by the Ministry of Health and Medical Services indicated that, 49 out of every 100,000 Fijians had TB and about 4 of those infected succumbed to the disease.

The Ministry of Health and Medical Services said it is committed to achieving the 2035 global End-TB program targets of reducing TB incidence and deaths by 90 percent and 95 percent respectively, and ceasing the high costs associated with the disease.

Acting Medical Superintendent Tamavua Twomey Hospital Dr Mike Kama highlighted that TB can be easily spread if not managed properly.

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