Patients and staff learn more about TB
Tsakane – The staff of Pholosong Hospital hosted a tuberculosis (TB) awareness campaign to help educate patients and staff about the illness and how to protect themselves from it.
There was also TB screening done along with the distribution of pamphlets and condoms.
According to employee Health and Wellness Coordinator Sr Duduzile Chaza, March is TB Awareness Month on the health calendar hence, they decided to participate in the awareness campaign.
“We are educating our staff and patients about TB, its signs and symptoms of the illness, what do when you suspect you have TB, and screening.
“Through this initiative we have also decided to look further into ways of providing help and support for our staff members, equipping them with information on how to deal with TB in the workplace and sharing ways we can support those affected by this illness while at work,” she says.
Chaza adds that in addition to this they were handing out condoms, as HIV/Aids and TB are illnesses that go hand in hand, since people living with HIV/Aids are very susceptible to TB.
“Once a person finds out that they are HIV positive, it is imperative to screen for TB as their immune systems and resistance are low, and if you delay picking it up, that is where problems arise.
“If you are living with HIV but also discover you have TB, make sure you eat healthily, maintain a healthy lifestyle and take your treatment as prescribed for both – then you won’t go wrong.
“People must remember that TB is a curable illness if treatment is taken correctly,” she says.
