By Sylvia
Over 30 people die from tuberculosis[ TB] everyday in Uganda, a number that is more than that of HIV/AIDS, common in men than in women.
Statistics from ministry of health (MOH) further reveal that TB is still the leading killer for people living with HIV in the country. Approximately 91,000 fall ill with TB disease annually
According to Dr. Richard Kabanda, the commissioner for health education and promotion, most of the T.B patients visit the health facility with severe illness situation , which mostly leads to death
He narrates that after visiting pharmacies, culturalists, and spiritual leaders, the patients go back home without getting proper medication which has partly attributed to the increasing of T.B deaths and spread in the country.
People prone to T.B
Dr Kabanda, explains that tuberculosis is common in people between the ages of 15-54.
The age bracket composes of people who tend to leave a rather health reluctant lifestyle of smoking, staying in congested places which makes them prone to contracting T.B
Talking to cultural leaders from Toro Kingdom gathered at Nyaika hotel today in a T.B and Leprosy engagement meeting, on May 18, 2023, the state minister for Primary health care Hon Margret Muhanga who doubles as the Member of Parliament North division Fort Portal City, argued the public to be keen and careful with their life, if they are to live longer and and live free from some diseases.
75% of the diseases are preventable – Minister Muhanga
According to minister Muhanga, 75%of the disease burden can be prevented if the public keey observes their life style through being mindful of the meals they take.
She also advises that public takes medication as prescribed by the health experts and should complete their dosage to prevent themselves from T.B
From her observation, Cultural institutions & leaders are enablers and catalysts in the development process, disease control and prevention.
She appealed to them to help in the mobilization process of residents since they have inherent authority to mobilize, organize and appeal to subjects to participate in health promotion, prevention and other government programs.
Steven Kiyingi, the Toro Kingdom prime minister, revealed that His Majesty King Oyo is committed to having health people in the kingdom since he is the ambassador for HIV/AIDS For Sub Saharan Africa health camps like the previously concluded orthopedic camp that left 38 people successfully operated.
The meeting was also attended by health workers from the Tooro region, kingdom officials among others.
