KEETMANSHOOP – The Minister of Health and Social Services, Dr Bernard Haufiku, has reiterated the call for concerted effort in the fight against TB.
In a speech delivered on his behalf by the Director of Special Programmes, Anne-Marie Nitschke, on Friday at the commemoration of the 2015 World TB Day here, Haufiku stressed the need for Namibians to stand together as a collective to fighting against TB.
He said TB remains a major health threat facing Namibia and the world at large and the only way to defeat it is by joining hands and fight it as one. “It is our collective responsibility, all of us to ensure that less or no Namibian dies from TB and this can be done,” he pointed out.
He called on health workers, TB field promoters, private and business sector alike to continue to work together to reach everyone that needs TB diagnosis, treatment, care and support.
Haufiku assured that his ministry would continue to provide guidance and stewardship, “but defeating this scourge requires a collective input”.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) Representative Professor Dr Monir Islam called on a strengthened effort to find, treat and cure the untreated in order to speed up the progress towards zero TB deaths, infections, suffering and stigma.
He pointed out that although efforts have been made towards the fight against TB, more still needs to be done.
“Our current efforts are not sufficient to find, treat and cure everyone who falls ill with the disease,” he stated.
He also applauded Namibia through the ministry of health for the significant progress made in reducing the burden of TB and this has been, according to him, demonstrated by the consistent decline in the number of TB cases.
At the event, Hendrick Frederick testified how he defeated TB after he was diagnosed with the disease in 2013. He narrated how the nurses and doctors helped him stay on his medication until he was cured.
“My advice to you is go for treatment, I am well now and continue with my life, TB did not stop me, don’t let it stop you,” he encouraged.
Exit, the TB goodwill ambassador, entertained the large crowd that gathered at the commemoration.