Officials empowered to stop the spread of TB and HIV/ AIDS
Ben Ndomunang, the facilitator from Aurum presented a talk about infection control within the management area and what could be done to prevent the spread of TB and HIV/Aids.
Barberton Management Area took drastic measures in eradicating the spread of tuberculosis (TB) and HIV/Aids.
This came to light when more than 20 officials committed themselves to learning about combating the spread of these diseases.
The three-day session was conducted by the Aurum Institute, which is a non-governmental organisation that focuses on TB and HIV/Aids prevention, treatment, and care.
Ben Ndomunang, the facilitator from Aurum presented a talk about infection control within the management area and what could be done to prevent the spread of TB and HIV/Aids.
Among other things, he discussed sexual transmitted diseases (STI), male circumcision and HIV/Aids. Ndomunang encouraged the officials to encourage circumcision among inmates.
“This reduces the risk of transmitting HIV by almost 60 per cent. It has also been linked to the reduction of other STDs and thus offers greater protection from penile cancer and cervical cancer in female partners, and decreases your risk of urinary tract infections. With a circumcision, it is also easier to notice symptoms of STDs such as warts or ulcers,” he said.
Ndomunang dwelled much on TB. “It is caused by a germ called mycobacterium tuberculosis and is a very serious disease that can kill you. South Africa has a large and deadly TB epidemic, more people die of TB than any other disease in South Africa.”
The attendees were also taken through the symptoms.
“Coughing for two weeks or more, coughing up thick liquid or blood, chills, fever and night sweats, weight loss and loss of appetite, chest pain or problems breathing, pain or swelling of your tummy, pain or blood when you urinate, fever, nausea, aches and pains in spine,” Ndomunang explained.
Johann van Wyk from Medium A correctional centre said after the presentation, he was motivated to work hand in glove with offenders to stop the spread of TB.
“I learnt a lot from this and I believe this will help our management area to eradicate this deadly disease” he said.
Other officials vowed to be ambassadors in the fight against TB and HIV/Aids and said they would continue to educate officials and members about these epidemic diseases.
