By Donald Ojebo
If you cough continuously for fourteen days, it could be tuberculosis, visit any nearby government hospital for free treatment.
This was the message given to Deltans and residents of the state as the world marked World Tuberculosis day.
The message was amplified by
Health workers in the Delta State Ministry of Health , State Tuberculosis Leprosy Control Programme, World Health Organization and other Partners during the Road Show/Rally in Asaba.
The purpose of the rally was to create further awareness on the disease as part of activities to commemorate the 2023 World Tuberculosis Day
Dr. Alexander Akpodiete, Manager, Delta State Tuberculosis Leprosy Buruli Ulcer Control Programme said that Tuberculosis (TB) disease was treatable and curable and therefore called on any who have had persistent cough to visit any government owned hospital closest to them for test and treatment when confirmed as a patient.
He said that no one has the excuse not to present himself or herself for treatment as test and treatment of tuberculosis are free of charge in all government hospitals in the State including most private and faith based hospitals.
Akpodiete called on the members of the public to call the toll free line: 3340 from any telephone line and the caller will be directed on what to do and also be directed on the health facility to visit that take care of TB cases.
In addition, he gave his private telephone line (07036892661) stating “ I will give you direction as per the reason behind the cough and what you need to do about the cough as nobody should die from having TB cough, just make yourself available or call our toll free line and you will certainly get assistant”.
He listed the symptoms of the diseases to include cough which may be productive of sputum, blood or maybe dry; chest pain; breathlessness; loss of appetite; weight loss; and drenching night sweat.
Highlight of the awareness creation exercise was the rally organized by the Ministry of Health in collaboration with the World Health Organization and other Partners which saw officers walking and dancing through Okpanam Road distributing flyers and sharing information about the sickness.
