To observe World Tuberculosis (TB) Day on March 24 this year, Tambo Memorial Hospital hosted an awareness event on March 20.
During the event, attended by health workers and the public, attendees received valuable information on how to deal with this curable disease.
Speakers encouraged people to get tested and, if diagnosed with TB, to take treatment as instructed to enable them to recover and remain healthy.
When outlining the day’s purpose, one of the hospital’s nurses, Serengwane Lethuba, posed a question to the audience: “Between HIV and TB, which one is more dangerous?”
He then explained a person could contract HIV and live for a long time without symptoms, but with TB, three months without treatment is dangerous. Therefore, people, including health workers, should not hesitate to seek medical attention when they notice the symptoms.
Social worker Simangele Bhengu said social workers at the hospital help TB patients deal with the stress they might face when diagnosed.
TB outpatient Lazaru Lumbela, there to collect his medication and attend the informative TB session, said: “My time on earth would have been cut short a long time ago if it wasn’t for the clinic. Today, I learnt it is important to take my medication.”
Members of the hospital executive, sponsors and partners, such as Wits RHI, The Aurum, Sanlam and Assupol also attended the event.
The Speakers discussed hand hygiene and stressed the need to wash and sanitise hands regularly.
In conclusion, the attendees participated in an aerobics session before enjoying a healthy and nutritious meal.
Residents who suspect they might have contracted TB are urged to visit their nearest clinic and be tested.
The symptoms include coughing, weight loss, night sweats, fever and fatigue.
Tambo Memorial CEO Zenzo Ndabula thanked all those involved in organising the event. He also expressed his happiness about the turnout and encouraged those in attendance to spread the message about TB testing and treatment to friends and family.
