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Establish pattern in fighting TB
By
George Kasakula - 12-03-2003 |
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For a nation reeling under the effects of HIV/Aids, the announcement by National TB Control Programme Manager Felix Salaniponi that TB cases in the country are decreasing at a good rate is a silver lining on an otherwise very dark cloud.
The reduction in TB cases from 27,000 to 26,000 may not be significant in the eyes of some people but coming at a time when nothing seems to be working well for Malawians and now used to constant heartaches from rigours of life—this is definitely good news.
We reckon that it was only in May last year that Malawi’s community-based treatment of the disease, introduced by the TB Programme, scored a first with the World Health Organisation, which directed other African countries to adopt it.
It is in the light of this that we say kudos to the National TB Programme. But we believe the programme should have no time to wallow and bask in the glory of these epoch-making achievements. Rather it should work hard and establish a rising pattern in reducing the number of TB cases over the coming years.
It is only then that the dream of combating the disease will be realised. We also call upon other programmes involved in the fight against diseases such as malaria to take a cue from the National TB Control Programme and make a real impact in fighting their speciality diseases.
Indeed, fighting diseases should be the priority of any government, for a sick nation can never develop.
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