Public advised to seek medical treatment for TB

Takoradi, April 25, GNA - Dr Linda Vanotoo, Deputy Western Regional Director of Ghana Health Service, at the weekend said 1,761 new cases of tuberculosis (TB) were recorded in the region in 2007 as against 1,716 in 2006.

She was speaking at a press briefing to commemorate World TB Day which is under the theme "I Am Stopping TB." Dr Vanotoo said the cure rate increased from 53 per cent in 2004 to 63 per cent in 2006 and defaulter rate reduced from 25 per cent in 2004 to 13 per cent in 2006.

She said 93 deaths from the disease were recorded in 2006. Dr Vanotoo urged the public to encourage people suffering from the disease to seek treatment to enable the country meet the Millennium Development Goal target of reducing the incidence of the disease by 50 per cent by 2015.

She said TB treatment is free and people should not hesitate to report any health personnel who charge them.