Berea, Mar 24 — Berea Hospital says through the engagement of every stakeholder, together they can win the battle against Tuberculosis (TB).
This emerged on Tuesday as Berea Hospital joins the global campaign to observe World Tuberculosis Day under a Theme, “We can end TB, led by Lesotho, powered by people”.
The campaign kicked off with the march from District Health Management Team offices to Berea Hospital, where it kicked off with the screening process of the Health Care Workers and Village health Workers.
Representing the District Medical Officer, Public Health Nurse Sister (Sis) Nomza Polaki highlighted that Lesotho is among the top 30 countries which has attracted global attention for having a high infection rate of TB.
However, she said in as much as they are commemorating TB, but it serves as a reminder about the ongoing fight against TB and our collective efforts to end the disease.
Public Health Nurse stressed the significance of this year campaign as they focus on screening of Health Workers and Village Health Workers.
“They dedicate their lives to care for others, often at great risk”, she explained.
She highlighted that TB always emerge as one of the worst and deadliest infectious disease after COVID.
“Despite being preventable and curable, it continues to affect millions of people every year”, she highlighted.
She said as health care workers they stand on the frontlines of the battle, citing that their daily work brings them closer to patients; increasing our risk of exposure.
“Protecting our own health is not just a personal matter, but it is a critical component if a strong and effective health system”, she added.
On the other hand, she reaffirmed that today’s screening activity is a proactive step towards safe guarding the wellbeing of our health care workforce.
“Early detection of TB among health care workers, ensures timely treatment, reduces transmission and helps maintain a healthy workforce capable of delivering quality care to the clients.
She reiterated that such TB screening activity among their health care workforce also demonstrate their commitment to the principle that no one should be left behind, not even those who provide care.
Public Health Nurse also encouraged health care workers to use such opportunity to reflect back on infection, prevention and control measures within their facilities with simple practices like proper ventilation, use of personal protective equipment any identification of suspected TB cases, significantly reduce the risk of transmission, highlighting that together they can make TB the disease of the past.
Sharing the same sentiments, Medical Superintendent Sis Makatleho Morojele stressed that today’s celebration is not meant to rejoice, but it is meant to open eyes of many people.
Sis Morojele said through joint commitments, they can fully eradicate TB, hence the need to keep on disseminating information about preventive measures.
Representing the partners of Ministry of Health, Ms. Nteboheleng Tlhabeli from Baylor indicated that TB is still and it continues to affect people in high numbers, but through working as a team, together TB can be eradicated.
Ms. Tlhabeli stressed that with people recovering from TB is a clear testimony which provide a message of hope that it is curable, provided people adhere to the prescribed medication.
She said as partners they still commit to support the Health Ministry in the fight against TB, and she further pleaded with community members to always welcome them in their respective families when they have some campaigns.
One of the TB survivors, Mr. Seipati Makoko who worked at the mines for 32 years, said after he got retrenched, TB attacked him twice while he was already home.
Mr. Makoko said he adhered to treatment for stipulated time frame, citing that he could have died if defaulted the medication.
He further said it is worrying to see that most men are still reluctant to visit the health centers, but they put most of their trust on traditional herbs.
He issued a stern warning that TB real and deadly, therefore they should normalise
Knowing their health status regularly.
Mr. Makoko acknowledged the support he got from the hospital which saved his live, adding that he is now healthy and capable of running household activities.
Also approached for a comment, Supervisor of the Village health Workers Mrs. Mathabo Mapeshoane said although they have dedicated their lives in communities, they encounter serious challenges of people who decline to visit the health facilities yet they present some symptoms which can endanger their lives and people around them.
Mrs. Mapeshoane highlighted that men are reluctant to go to the clinics, some are very reliant to their traditional healers, adding that some men have a tendency of mixing the western medication with their traditional herbs and that delays the process of healing.
Additionally, she said some are so addicted to smoking even when they are under treatment.
However, she said with the continuing awareness campaigns, they seem to be making a good process as the infection rate in Berea.
Lesotho is reported to be the second highest country with incidences of TB whereby it is estimated that there are 724 cases per 100,000.
Ends/RM
