DILI, 02 october 2023 (TATOLI) – From january to september 2023, 376 cases of tuberculosis were registered at the Bairo Pite clinic, and the number has continued to rise.
Tuberculosis remains a major public health threat throughout the country, particularly in the municipalities, including Dili.
The manager of the Tuberculosis (TB) program at the Bairo-Pite Clinic, José Maia Soares, said that of the 376 cases, 26 patients, including a child, have been admitted to the Maun Alin Iha Cristo Secular Institute (ISMAIC) Tibar to receive intensive treatment, while the rest are receiving treatment at the Bairo Pite Clinic and taking regular medication.
“Our advice to these TB patients is to take their medication routinely for up to eight months, in order to prevent fatalities and ensure effective treatment. Seven people from these 376 cases have died,” he said.
Soares pledged to continue working hard with the members of his team to provide adequate treatment for tuberculosis patients who seek treatment at his clinic.
Tuberculosis (TB) is a bacterial infection spread through inhaling tiny droplets from the coughs or sneezes of an infected person.
It mainly affects the lungs, but it can affect any part of the body, including the tummy (abdomen), glands, bones, and nervous system.
In october 2021, the former Prime Minister, Taur Matan Ruak signed a pledge to end TB in Timor-Leste and also launched the ‘National Plan for Accelerated Actions for Ending TB by 2025’.
Journalist: Camilio de Sousa
Editor: Filomeno Martins
