AUTHORITIES IMPRESSED WITH TB RECOVERY RATE IN NTCHEU AND BALAKA DISTRICTS

Health authorities in Balaka and Ntcheu districts have expressed satisfaction with the increase in the number of patients who are recovering from Tuberculosis.
The authorities made the sentiments during a National Tuberculosis and Leprosy Elimination Programme (NTLPE) media tour where it was discovered that Balaka district success rate is now at 91 percent while Ntcheu is at 90 percent.
Speaking to Yetu FM, Director of Health Services at Balaka District Hospital Chimwemwe Thambo says the interventions that the district implemented have helped the district in fighting against the disease.
Thambo also explained that one of the interventions, intensifying the establishment and functionality of sputum collection points has contributed to the fight against the vice.
” We have also done capacity building to our health workers in terms of knowledge and skills in order to reach out to people who have TB and treat them accordingly,” Thambo explained.
On his part, Ntcheu district TB clinical officer, Chisomo Phiri says as the hospital’s success rate is at 90 percent, there has been an increase in screening children.
“So far, with the assistance from the World Bank, we have managed to come up with 35 sputum collection points”, Phiri added.
Francis Alufeyo, a volunteer at Ntcheu District Hospital commended the NTLEP citing that almost every day there are some people who are being screened.
Alufeyo further said as volunteers they provide emotional support to the patients to make sure that they receive medical treatment without any delays.
Furthermore, Leaners at Kankao Primary School Traditional Authority Chanthunya in Balaka expressed commitment to join stakeholders in fighting against TB in their communities.
A standard 6 learner, Gehaz Kamanga said he had already started sensitizing communities on the dangers of TB.
However, National Tuberculosis and Leprosy Elimination Programme community mobilization and engagement officer, Beatrice Nindi commended the efforts that the districts are putting into fighting against Tuberculosis.
The National Tuberculosis and Leprosy Elimination Program was established in 2016 to help in fighting against Tuberculosis and Leprosy in the country.