TB imbizo for Meadowlands Resident

The Department of Health (DOH) hosted a Tuberculosis (TB) Dialogue today at the Mzimhlophe Hall in Meadowlands.

“We wanted to have the buy-in of the community in the struggle against TB, so we have invited the community to discuss our challenges and possibly come up with a way forward in tackling these issues,” said Sister Petunia Ngaoko, TB coordinator in region D of the DOH.

Over 200 residents were present from the communities of Meadowlands, Killarney, and Mofolo.

“We couldn’t hold this event in TB month because there was a provincial imbizo that was scheduled, but we felt that there was still a need for us to a host a regional event to reach the community at a level where their health issues would be a priority,” said Ngaoko.

HIV AIDS South Africa, Anova Health Institue, Health4Men, and Hospice were present there to give different information on the various health issues, young or old persons might encounter in their lifespan.

A shocking revelation was that on average, in a six month period; almost 1000 people are treated for TB.

“The region I work from is region D with many sections, I specifically work in region D two, and the problem of TB is very prevalent and that statistic is what we deal with regularly,” said Ngaoko.

The dialogue takes place on an annual basis and there was emphasis put on the importance of the role played by traditional healers in the community together with the department.

Ngaoko said, “When you are sick, please make it a point to go to your nearest clinic early in your symptoms, so we as health practitioners can detect the illness in the early stages.

Once a patient goes on treatment, it is important to complete the treatment, even if the patient starts feeling better halfway through; treatment usually takes 6 months.”

Free HIV testing, prostate screening, pap smears, blood pressure, diabetes testing and the flu vaccine was also being provided.

@Miss_Blackbone