Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolis recorded 324 cases in 2022 – Skyy Power FM

Each year on the 24th of March, World TB is commemorated to raise public awareness about the devastating health, social and economic consequences of tuberculosis (TB) and to step up efforts to end the global TB epidemic.

The date marks the day in 1882 when Dr Robert Koch announced that he had discovered the bacterium that causes TB, which opened the way towards diagnosing and curing this disease.

The Sekondi-Takoradi Metro Disease Control Officer Mr Joseph Osei Boakye speaking exclusively to Skyy News revealed that 324 cases were recorded through various methods in the Sekondi Takoradi Metropolis.

“Data for TB in the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolis in 2022 of cases detected in all forms were 324… 292 cases were detected bacteriological and 19 were detected clinically”

He indicated some of the major causes of tuberculosis are excessive drinking, smoking, not exercising and taking in an unhealthy diet.

Mr Boakye further advised people not to stigmatise TB patients as it contributes to their healing process.

“Even though tuberculosis is airborne, it doesn’t necessarily mean you will contact the disease when you get close to patients, the bacteria can only sustain in the air for a few seconds when an infected person coughs directly to you.”

“Excessive drinking, smoking, being in overcrowded places and not getting good ventilation can lead to you getting the disease… and we don’t have to stigmatise infected people because the disease is curable and we should try to get close to them and be their source of hope.”