TB screening campaign for KZN schools
In a country with a high prevalence of tuberculoses such as South Africa it is expected that 20% of children have TB or are being treated for it.
In a country with a high prevalence of tuberculoses such as South Africa it is expected that 20% of children have TB or are being treated for it.
According to the World Health Organisation, KwaZulu-Natal has the highest prevalence of TB in the country.
Yesterday, KZN Health MEC Sibongiseni Dhlomo launched the “Tackling TB in Schools” campaign in KwaMashu.
He says the campaign is largely aimed at finding untreated cases in children and starting them on treatment as soon as they are screened.
"They should remember to put their treatment next to a toothbrush so that when they finish brushing their teeth they can then take their treatment. Otherwise, while we are doing good we are going to see a lot of children who are going to develop MDR (Moderate Drug Resistant TB) and XDR (Extreme Drug Resistant TB).
"If you have XDR you have nothing but a failed treatment completion," he said.
(File photo)