Chiefs, volunteers undergo training in TB management

Gomoa Dominase (C/R), Aug. 25, GNA - Some selected chiefs, community-based agents and volunteers selected from 22 communities have attended a day's training workshop at Gomoa Dominase in the Central Region on the management of Tuberculosis (TB).

Allies in Development Action (AIDA), a local non-government organisation (NGO) involved in an education campaign on HIV/AIDS, malaria and TB prevention and management organised the workshop, which was funded by Global Fund and the National TB Control Programme. The participants were trained in how to identify suspected cases for testing at medical facilities.

Miss Cecilia Essiljoe, a nurse at the Gomoa Potsin Clinic debunked the assertion that TB was caused by evil spirits. She said the disease was curable and that treatment was free. "Anyone who harbours the disease because of financial constraints is causing a great harm to himself or herself and society as a whole," the nurse stated.

Mr Emmanuel Amokwandoh, Executive Director of the NGO, said unlike HIV/AIDS, TB spread faster because it was air-borne and advised people to refrain from spitting about indiscriminately and cover their mouths when yawning.

Mr Amokwandoh urged chiefs, unit committee leaders and assembly members to make some resources available to the communities to help TB patients to undergo the full course of treatment since default posed risk to others.

He said his organisation was helping TB patients with food provided by the Catholic Relief Service and money during their treatment.