By Ahmed Senoga
In a bid to fight Tuberculosis (TB), the ministry of health in conjunction with ministry of works and transport have commenced a one week campaign dubbed “a cast TB activity” which aims at giving free TB screening and treatment within Kampala transport operators.
Tuberculosis (TB) is one of the most dangerous infectious diseases in Uganda leading to about 30 deaths daily and over 90,000 people get infected with TB annually which means everyday about 240 persons get TB.
While officially flagging off the campaign at Namayiba bus park on 15th/Tuesday, permanent secretary ministry of health Dr. Diana Atwiine said they are targeting bus operators and support staff of Namayiba, Kisenyi and Global bus terminals and the activity is ending in 18th, Friday this week.
She says this community is more at risk of getting TB due to the environment they live in that is why they are the priority group.
“Transport industry mainly accommodates males who don’t want to go for medical checkup that is why we encourage them to embrace this campaign” She added.
Dr. Atwiine disclosed that on first day of the campaign they managed to at least reach out over 400 people as well as collecting about 150 TB samples for testing however she lashed at some people over attacking government officials saying such campaigns are introduced just to serve government officials.
“People have a habit of attacking officials from the government accusing them of mismanagement and embezzling public funds which is just intended to only tarnish their names” Atwiine added.
Dr. Stavia Turyahabwe, assistant tuberculosis leprosy control from ministry of health says overcrowding, malnutrition, closeness are among the main factors leading TB which is still a huge burden to the country.
Bageya Waiswa permanent secretary ministry of works said since transport industry accommodates large number of population leading them to be more at risk of getting TB and they are to continue with this campaign national wide.
Meanwhile Nelson Ssekandi manager Namayiba Bus Park on behalf of his fellows embraced the campaign saying it will help in curbing down the burden however he expressed dissatisfaction over some people who are likely to ignore it.
