Ghana to achieve TB reduction by 2011-NTCP

Accra, March 13, GNA- Ghana would achieve a reduced Tuberculosis (TB) disease burden by 2011, should the positive indicators continue in the current direction to meet the Millennium Development Goal (MDG) target on TB.

Dr. Frank Bonsu, National Tuberculosis Control Programme (NTCP) said on Thursday in Accra that currently Ghana had achieved 6.2 percent cure rate for TB out of a target of 10 percent, but was working at ensuring zero tolerance by the stipulated MDG target date which is 2015. Briefing the media to mark this year's World TB Day which falls on March 24, Dr Bonsu said 2007 recorded the highest cases of new infection of 12, 863 signifying that, "more people are now becoming aware of the disease and are reporting very early at the health facilities for treatment". The World TB day would be marked in Ghana on March 18 on the theme: "I'm stopping TB".

He explained that the Greater Accra Region recorded the highest of 23 per cent with Ashanti region recording 18 per cent followed by Western region recording 14 per cent whilst Upper West recorded the lowest of one percent. TB generally affects people who live in abject poverty, marginalized and socially isolated whilst social and economic determinants at individual, household and community level affect a person's vulnerability.

He noted that the burden of TB was far greater in urban settings than in rural areas with an increasing recognition of the fact that TB reduced people's ability to work and earn a living. Dr. Bonsu said the activities planned for the day would include workshops and seminars with the aim of mobilizing health workers, civil societies, NGOs, the media and government to take action among groups and individuals to address issues militating against the control, care and prevention of the disease in Ghana. He said NTCP was implementing the Directly Observed Treatment Strategy (DOTS) for TB control, which involved ensuring regular drug supply, surveillance, building capacity for treatment and control, and directly supervising treatment. Dr Bonsu called on Ghanaians to act as voices in the fight against TB.