On the theme ' We Simply Must Stop TB', the Ministry of Health and Medical Services, through its national TB program today marked World TB Day.
National TB and Leprosy Coordinator, Henry Itogo said the theme calls on decision makers, TB sufferers, health professionals and members of the public to work together to stop TB from spreading further within communities.He said the national TB program aims to reduce by half, the number of TB cases and deaths by 2010.
Mr Itogo said this goal is not easy given the very short time span to achieve it, and he called for a collaborative effort and support from both the government and the public.
He said the only way to achieve this goal is with D-O-T strategy - which has proven effective in controlling and curing TB.
He said in Solomon Islands TB remains a significant public health problem and the number of cases detected each year continue to increase.
Mr Itogo said last year the national TB control unit recorded 387 TB cases, which is about 74 cases per 100,000.
He said this figure shows that TB is still prevalent in the communities.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Health Permanent Secretary Dr George Malefoasi acknowledges the nurses and health workers who have devoted their time in following up on patients for treatment.
He said the Ministry also acknowledges the work of mothers, uncles and aunties who always look after and provide a lot of support to those infected with TB.
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