TB kills 34 in NBG state, says health official

AWEIL – At least 34 people have died from Tubercolosis in Northern Bahr el Ghazal State in recent months, a health official said, amidst calls for preventive measures.

The Director General in the state Health ministry, Aleu Pioth blamed negligent patients for ignoring the prescriptions often given on how to get rid of the disease.

He said most of the patients have been admitted at Majak-Akoon and Nyamlel hospitals, where cases of Tubercolosis patients are currently being handled.

“Most of the patients never like to complete the course of the treatment. They get stigmatized as well in the villages whenever they see themselves being talked ill of as TB patients and they let go inhaling the drugs given to them,” said Pioth.

He added, “Some people have myths that TB is an inborn or inherited disease from the ancestral parents, and some even go as far as boycotting in marrying girls of other families suspected to be TB group which is a white lie.”

According to medical official, TB is contractible disease, not an inheritable one.

Pioth said they are working hard to ensure TB patients are identified and treated.

The health ministry is working with Arkangelo Ali Association, a church-based organization, to identify, screen and discharge those suffering from such diseases.