Obour takes TB education to Upper East

Bolgatanga, Sept 22, GNA - The President of the Musicians Association of Ghana, Mr Osei Kufour, in collaboration with the Upper East Regional Directorate of Health Services on Thursday embarked on a health education campaign in the Region to help curb the spread of Tuberculosis (TB).

As part of the programme, a drama was staged depicting how the disease could be prevented and to avoid stigmatizing people suffering from the disease.

Mr Kufour who has been designated as ambassador of TB awareness by the National Tuberculoses Control Programme, said his focus was to educate the people on how to stay away from contracting the disease and avoid stigmatization.

He said Government was spending a huge sum of money in the procurement of medicine for the treatment of TB and noted that to help reduce the cost, he had decided to embark on a sensitization programme together with the

Ghana Health Service in the ten regions to help curb the disease.

The Regional TB coordinator, Mr Samuel Angyogdem, told the people that TB treatment was free and patients who abided by the prescription could be cured within six months. He entreated communities to help people suspected of having the disease to attend the nearest health post to seek treatment.

"Each person infected with the disease stands a chance of transmitting it to 10 to 15 people if he does not seek treatment. It is therefore crucial for all communities to encourage those with prolonged dry cough to seek health care".

Mr Angyogdem indicated that to help curb the disease it was incumbent on parents to ensure that their new born babies were vaccinated against TB.

"You must also stay away from overcrowded places and take the medicine required religiously".

Mr Noble Alagskomah, a health specialist, said the tendency of majority of people contracting TB was high because most 91pito' brewers and alcoholic beverage sellers did not wash the calabashes and glasses they used to serve their customers thoroughly.

The Occasion was also used for people to check their health status, particularly high blood pressure and HIV/AIDS.