Scientists finding out why TB vaccine was ineffective

Accra, Dec. 29, GNA - Preliminary research into the prevalence rate of tuberculosis (TB) on children aged between six to ten years in the Ashanti and Greater Accra Regions revealed that BCG vaccination they received to protect them against the disease was not effective. The children were still prone to the disease despite the vaccination. Dr Kwesi Addo, Bacteriology Unit of Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research (NMIMR) told the National TB Advisory Board meeting in Accra on Monday that the issue needed further scientific investigation. He said it has to be found out whether the vaccine was adequately given or whether the environment they lived in was producing effects, which negated the potency of the vaccine and a whole lot of other things.

Dr Addo said the NMIMR was carrying out the research in conjunction with the Ghana Health Service to determine the rate at which the disease was being transmitted and to give free treatment to those who have it in line with the policy of treating TB patient free of charge.


The survey will also provide essential data for planning, modification and evaluation of the National TB Control Programme in the two regions to serve as a baseline for future nationwide survey.


Dr Frank Bonsu, Programme Manager, TB Control Unit of Korle Bu Teaching Hospital said, TB was on the increase in the three northern regions of the country and that as a step to delve into its incidence, the National TB Control Board would hold a three-day workshop on the disease in Tamale from January 18, next year.

Dr Bonsu said in 1996, when there was sufficient fund voted for the activities of TB control, the incidence of the disease fell sharply but picked up from 1997 when resources began to dwindle and many of the resource persons also left the country in search for greener pastures. He said, March 24, next year has been declared the World TB Day and it would be launched at Koforidua under the theme: Forging New Partnership to stop TB.


Dr Bonsu said TB was a curable disease and the call was that there must be national and community mobilization to fight it, since it was also a human right issue that everyone should have access to good health.


The National Advisory Board meeting, which was chaired by Professor Enoch Frimpong, Senior Medical Officer, Kumasi Teaching Hospital, elected Mr Oscar Bruce, a pharmacist and a publisher to co-ordinate activities of the Board and stakeholders of TB programmes.