Source: newsthemegh.com
A consistent rise in tuberculosis (TB) cases in the Upper East Region has alarmed health experts in the area.
Suuk Wahab Laar, the Upper East Regional Tuberculosis Monitoring and Evaluation officer, has recently presented data showing that the number of TB cases has increased from 615 in 2018 to an alarming 795 in 2023.
On World Tuberculosis Day, the officer spoke with Moses Apiah of Class 91.3 FM and emphasized the critical need for increased awareness and preventative healthcare measures in order to effectively address the TB issue.
He emphasized that early detection, appropriate treatment, and adherence to recommended drug regimes were key to curbing the transmission of tuberculosis. He further advised people to prioritize their health and take preventative activities seriously.
“In 2018, the whole region recorded 650 cases, which slightly decreased to 624 in 2019.
“However, the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 saw a notable fall, with 550 cases reported. Unfortunately, the numbers rebounded in 2021, reaching 609 cases, and escalated further to 753 in 2022 before peaking at 795 in 2023,” he said.
“But there are a lot of people who still sit at home having the belief that this is just a normal thing and will not come to the health centres for check-ups and at the end of the day their condition will degenerate to type 3.
At this point, it is always dangerous because they can transmit it to others. So, I want to plead that people do regular check-ups,” he urged.
Health officials, meantime, have stated that they have started stepping up efforts to spread knowledge about tuberculosis (TB) and to motivate populations to get timely medical care and follow advised procedures.