23rd March 2020
Own correspondent
Global tuberculosis control continues to face major challenges with TB remaining a major public health challenge locally with an estimated 6000 Batswana falling ill with this disease annually. Much still needs to be done to make quality care accessible, regardless of gender, social context and ability to pay say health officials. The TB epidemic in Botswana is largely fueled by HIV infection.
6 in 10 people with TB also have HIV. In 2016 the government implemented the Treat All policy to provide Anti-Retroviral drugs for all Batswana infected with HIV which will go a long way in
helping decrease the burden of TB in Botswana.
The emerging threat from drug-resistant forms of TB, have however made control interventions complex and less predictable. In Botswana, an estimated 100 people are newly diagnosed with Drug resistant TB. Despite the complexities of diagnosing drug resistant and HIV-associated forms of TB, there have been concerted efforts in with development partners, to roll out more rapid and efficient technologies (GeneXpert), which are able to deliver a test result in just under 2 hours. This will go a long way in enhancing prompt access to care, which has been quite elusive in the past.
Government commitment to containing the scourge of TB in the context of HIV and Drug Resistant TB has remained resolute. Tuberculosis services are widely available at all health facilities and at no cost to the patient to ensure that every person in Botswana accesses TB treatment as TB is curable.
Tuberculosis is an infectious disease caused by the Mycobacterium tuberculosis (which generally affects the lungs). It is transmitted from an infected person to a susceptible person through droplets formed in the throat or lungs and emitted when talking, coughing or singing. Communities can make meaningful contribution to TB control by;
- Screening for TB especially those in close contact with TB patients,
- Taking TB tablets as prescribed by the health care provider.
- When coughing or sneezing cover your mouth and nose with a tissue
- Ensuring that children are given BCG vaccine at birth.
- Practice healthy lifestyle habits to improve your immunity
- Supporting those who are already infected by TB to complete their treatment
The 2020 global theme in the fight against TB is “IT’S TIME” which calls for a global effort to accelerate progress towards the bold goal of ending TB by 2035. Go to your nearest health facility if you have symptoms of TB, TB is curable!
For more information, please call the Toll Free Number: 0800 600 740.
