Modimolle community stands against TB

The community of Modimolle led by healthcare workers took to the streets on Friday, 15 March, to raise awareness against Tuberculosis (TB).

TB is often caused by bacteria spread from one person to another.

Each year, people from all walks of life commemorate World Tuberculosis (TB) Day on March 24 to raise public awareness about TB, and to also encourage people to get screened for the disease.

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of MDR TB Hospital in Modimolle, Hasani Abel Makhubele, said most often awareness campaigns focused on the general public, and in the process neglecting
healthcare workers.

“When a patient comes to the clinic or hospital, the first person they come into contact with is a healthcare provider. For this reason, it is very important that healthcare providers be
capacitated with TB information,” he said.

Makhubele urged the community, including healthcare providers to regularly go for TB screening even when they do not show any symptoms.

“We also have contact screening. If there is a TB patient at home, those who are staying with that particular patient must also be screened,” Makhubele said.

The fun walk started at the TB unit, with participants walking through downtown Modimolle and returning to the hospital where those who finished early were awarded medals.

— The BEAT