The Programmes Manager for the National Tuberculosis Control, Dr. Yaw Adusi Poku has revealed that the number of Tuberculosis cases in Ghana is expected to increase if actions are not taken to tackle the disease.
Speaking at a sensitization program for journalists on TB reporting, Dr. Yaw Adu-Sei Poku said 30 people die daily in Ghana and over 120 people fall ill daily in the country.
A total of 16,650 cases of tuberculosis were detected Ghana last year, an increase of 20% of the 13, 278 cases detected in 2021. However, there are fears that the number will surge in 2023 if actions are not taken to curb the situation.
However, there are fears that the number will surge in 2023 if actions are not taken to curb the situation.
Speaking at a sensitization program, jointly organized by National Tuberculosis Control Programme, Hope for the Future, and other stakeholders in the fight against Tuberculosis in Ghana Programmes manager for the National TB control programme Dr. Yaw Adusi Poku said actions need to be taken to tackle the disease.
“We saying that everyday over 30 people die of TB in Ghana daily and 125 persons are infected every day. Last year for instance, cases increased by 20% and it is possible that there will be more cases this year. We need to create a lot of awareness which involves resources, so we need help”
The Executive Director of Hope for the Future Foundation, Cecilia Senoo also called on the government to show commitment in investing towards the fight against TB and other diseases.
“We are preparing the media to support us to ensure that the government of Ghana participates in the High-level UN General meeting on ending Tuberculosis. There are a number of things that will be happening such as the commitment that will be signed to support the fight against TB.”
“We don’t just want them to sign to the commitment but we’re demanding a commitment to make more investments towards ending TB”
The sensitization workshop was aimed at educating journalists from selected media houses on courses symptoms and transmission of TB, they were taken through TB reporting guidelines and interviewing TB patients.
