The Regional Health Team in the North Bank Region (NBR) east recently observed World Tuberculosis Day at Jerekaw Wollof Village in the Illiasa Constituency. The theme for this year’s celebration was “Stop TBin my lifetime”. The purpose of the commemoration was to raise awareness on the threat posed by the disease.

Speaking at the occasion, Bubacarr Manjang from the Regional Health Teamrevealed that this year’s celebration challenged them to look at the fight against Tuberculosis in an entirely new way.He said more than a century after DrRobert Koch’s discovery, it is estimated that one-third of the global population is infected with TB. “Although it is a big challenge, all partners, including donors, NGOs, private sector, communities, individuals, and voluntary organisations should support this noble cause,” he stated. 

For his part, Momodou Jallow, the head of the TB Unit at the AFPRC General Hospital called on those suspected of having TB to visit the nearest health care facility for early diagnosis. He called on all partners, donor agencies, civil society and voluntary organisations, individuals and communities to take a more proactive role towards the prevention and control of TB and its subsequent elimination in The Gambia.

Yankuba Singhateh, the Regional Health promotion officer, explained that TB is an infectious disease spread by coughing andis the second most common killer disease after HIV/AIDS. He noted that despite its serious impact on the health of humans, TB remains relatively neglected and has become a real threat to the health and development of humanity.

The alkali of the Village, Katim Touray, noted that the president, His Excellency Sheikh Professor Alhaji Dr Yahya AJJ Jammeh recognised health as a key priority area in his government. He further noted that President Jammeh has established more hospitals and health facilities to enhance easy access to health care.

On his part, William Mendy, vector control officer, AFPRC General Hospital congratulated the government for the friendly and fruitful collaboration with the communities in increasing awareness of TB to the public and health care providers. Amadou Nana Jallow and Malick Samba, public health officers at the AFPRC General Hospital called on the people to visit health facilities for proper check up.