KATH CEO calls for concerted effort to fight TB

Professor Ohene Adjei, Chief Executive of the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH), has called for concerted efforts to control the tuberculosis (TB) disease.

He said although significant gains have been made, there are still some challenges including stigmatization of infected persons and low level of knowledge on the disease among the population, and on the HIV pandemic.

HIV associated with TB and vice versa, he noted, is common place at KATH.

Prof Ohene Adjei said, last year for example, six per cent of HIV positive patients seen at the facility’s HIV Clinic had TB.

He was speaking at the Ashanti Regional launch of the “Kick TB campaign” in Kumasi.

The goal is to aggressively disseminate information on the disease, diagnosis, treatment and prevention through children.

The campaign would also educate primary school children on the signs and symptoms, focusing on what they should do, should they notice any signs.

This comes as the World Health Organization (WHO) shifts the focus on children.

In year 2010, an estimated 70,000 deaths were recorded among children from TB, globally.

Prof. Ohene Adjei said prompt detection and administration of the recommended antibiotics are important for improving the outcome of the disease and reduce the risk of spread.

“Prevention and early recognition of the symptoms is therefore essential in controlling TB.”

He spoke of the determination of KATH to empower children admitted at the facility with relevant basic knowledge about the disease through the hospital’s education unit.

These children upon their discharge “will be recognized as ambassadors for their communities and schools.

He said “this model will hopefully help to increase case detection rate in both adults and children, and also enhance early reporting and treatment.”**