Grahamstown’s Temba TB Hospital marked World TB Day with an education session for their patients. The annual commemoration is dedicated to looking at the crisis of tuberculosis and trying to find solutions.
Grahamstown’s Temba TB Hospital marked World TB Day with an education session for their patients. The annual commemoration is dedicated to looking at the crisis of tuberculosis and trying to find solutions.
South Africa has among the world’s highest incidences of death as a result of TB.
In 2012 TB killed 240 000 South Africans, as estimated by UNAids.
Tuberculosis is a bacterial infection that can affect any part of the body, but most commonly infects the lungs.
It can sit dormant for many years, but once a person’s immune system weakens, it becomes active.
Once active, it kills the tissue of the area infected and when untreated is fatal.
In addition, the high incidence rate of HIV in the country adds to the continued recurrence of TB.
This year, in acknowledgement of World TB Day, South Africa is taking a stand against this disease which affects so many in our country.
Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa yesterday launched a comprehensive TB screening and testing campaign.
The programme will include rapid diagnostic tests for TB and drug resistant TB.
Earlier detection makes it possible for those who need it to be treated.
The Rhodes University Pharmacy Association used the opportunity of the worldwide campaign to educate Rhodes support staff during their lunch break about TB treatment, as a part of their weekly medical education campaign.
“TB is a notifiable disease, so once someone is diagnosed with TB the government runs it all,” said Shannon Adie, Association Treasurer.
The current treatment guideline as a set out by the Department of Health regime includes a two-month, intensive phase whereby four drugs are used to kill tuberculosis bacilli.
This is followed by a four-month continuous phase, in which two drugs are used to sterilise the remaining bacilli and prevent relapse.
It's crucial for the success of treatment that treatment regimes are adhered to.
