World TB Day: Ghanaians urged to unite to end TB 

This year's national celebration of the world Tuberculosis Day has been observed at Tarkwa in the Western region with a call on Ghanaians to unite to end TB and mount a crusade against the stigmatisation of the disease, since those infected are afraid to report to health facilities. 

The National Tuberculosis Control Programme Manager, Dr Frank Bonus made the call to commemorate World TB Day.

According to him, Western Region is the third highest when it comes to people with TB due to the mining activities in the area.  

Tuberculosis still remains a silent killer today and continues to be among the ten top killer diseases in the country.

Tarkwa and Obuasi were the Epicentre for the TB epidemics in the 20th century, due to the intense mining activities that attracted migrant workers across the country.

The disease is caused by a bacteria. It usually affects the lungs and comes with causes cough, chest pains and sweat at night. 

This year's commemoration which was under the theme: "Unite to end TB" brought together chiefs, Queen-mothers, students, youth groups health workers, market women and development partners. 

There was a cultural display and a drama to highlight how the disease can be treated. 

The Omanhene of Wassa Amenfi traditional Area, Tetrete Okuamoah Sekyim called on chiefs and stakeholders in the health sector to unite to support the Ministry of Health to fight the disease.

The WHO Country Representative, Dr. Owen Kaluwa said Tuberculosis is still one of the top causes of death worldwide. 

He said in 2014, African countries agreed to reduce TB deaths by 75 to 50 percent by 2025. 

There were messages from development partners and the national TB Ambassador, Ehunaborim Nana Prah Agyensaim which centered on the need for people who are infected to report their cases to the healthcare facilities. 

They must also encourage others to do same to reduce the spread of the disease.

The National TB Control Programme Manager, Dr Frank Bonsu called on government, CSO's, the communities, NGOs, TB patients, traditional leaders and industry to set up strategic plans to help fight against the disease. 

He said a national report indicate that Western region is the third highest when it comes to TB patients.  

The Ministry of Health believes that if people with TB report their cases to the health care facilities lives will be saved. 

The National TB Control Program has successfully engaged other private providers and restricted access to anti-TB drugs in the country to prevent development of drug resistance TB.

GBC