TB CHECK-UP ADVISED
A
doctor from the United States (USA) recommended people going for routine health
check-up should also be screened for Tuberculosis. This recommendation also
comes from the World Health Organization (WHO).
The
young female doctor, Chandler Church MD,MSc, whose father is also a medical
doctor connected with Ifakara Health Institute (IHI) presented her views on the
subject “TB incidence and prevalence in Africa” at the Bagamoyo Branch of IHI.
Present at the meeting were doctors, research Scientists, Health Workers and
members of the Community Advisory Board connected with new TB Drug Trials at
IHI.
During
her discourse, she observed that TB incidence in Tanzania was 327 people in
100,000 with 37% of cases in HIV/AIDS plus individuals. Hence general check-up
of TB incidence was advisable for people who go for routine medical check-up.
She
pointed out that 13 vaccines and new drugs were in clinical trials. Such new
treatments hope to cut down the lengthy period of current drugs and would be more effective.
The drugs used currently take nine to 12 months to get results. The drugs and
treatment are available free of charge.
She
also remarked that the current TB drugs which have been in use since the last
fifty years does not appear to be a major factor of resistance of TB in Tanzania and Africa as a
whole.
Story & Pics by
Abdul Hai
 |
| A look-for-yourself tour of the District Bagamoyo Hospital where the Bagamoyo Branch of the Ifakara Health Institute was built ten year ago. In the middle is Dr. Chandler Church and at extreme right standing is Dr. Church. On left in blue shirt is Dr. Omari Juma with others. |
 |
| Dr. Chandler Church talking about "TB incidence and prevalence in Africa in the conference room of Bagamoyo Ifakara Health Institute. Doctors, Scientists, Health Workers and Members of Community Advisory Board attended the meeting. |
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