TB kills 9,714 in 2015

A total of 9, 714 deaths resulting from tuberculosis (TB) infection was recorded in 2015, the National Tuberculosis Control Programme (NTBCP) statistics indicate.

In addition, the programme recorded 44,524 new cases of TB in the same year, bringing the sum of estimated TB cases in Ghana to 76,095.

The number of TB cases in 2015 represents an increase in the 2014 estimate of 63,000 recorded TB cases.

Acting Programme Manager of NTBCP, Dr Nii Nortey Hanson-Nortey, presenting a paper on ‘End TB Ghana’ — a national initiative towards TB elimination at the Ghana Health Service (GHS) monthly health promotion — said the high number of recorded TB cases follows intensified TB screening campaign across the country.

He, however, indicated that most cases were presented to the health facilities late, resulting in preventable fatalities.

Dr Hanson-Nortey said the NTBCP was able to diagnose 14, 999 TB cases and put on treatment, while 85 percent of the number was successfully treated.

He said 730 children and 5,073 women were also diagnosed out of the number.

Dr Hanson-Nortey said the priority of NTBCP is to intensify its case-finding interventions by moving to the communities to screen targeted people, including those above 50 years who are more likely to contract the disease.

“Parliament has also approved the procurement of new digital x-ray machine for distribution across the country, so we have an effective screening of TB,” he said.

Dr Gloria Quansah Asare, Deputy Director-General of the Ghana Health Service (GHS), called for an all-inclusive approach to ending TB in the country.

She said all stakeholders should play their part to ensure no one is left behind in the activities to end TB in Ghana.

Tuberculosis is a disease caused by bacteria in the air which usually affects the lungs, but can be cured with free medications.

The TB bacteria can be spread through coughs, sneezes, shouts, signs and talks from an infected person.

It is not spread by sharing spoons and forks, drinking glass, bathrooms, clothes and food with infected persons, however, an individual stands a risk of getting TB if he or she is exposed to a TB-active case patient.

The public are advised to live healthy by practising personal hygiene and making sure rooms are well ventilated.

People with TB symptoms like cough, chest pain, fever, weight loss, loss of appetite, night sweats and constant tiredness should report to the nearest health facility for free treatment.