HEALTH, EMBU: Embu steps up fight against TB

A professional demonstrates how the TB screening system works to CECM Health, Dr. Joan Mwende (right), Deputy Governor David Kariuki (in blue suit and tie) as other senior government officers look on. PHOTO: Jeremiah Mutuanga

Embu steps up fight against TB

By Jeremiah Mutuanga

Embu County residents are set to benefit from free tuberculosis screening from the county’s department of health.

Those that are already suffering from the disease will also receive free treatment and follow up in an exercise that begun on October 7.

While speaking at Embu Stadium during the launch of the exercise, county Executive Committee member for Health, Dr. Joan Mwende said the exercise will be happening yearly.

“This year’s event will go on until towards the tail end of this month and we will have similar exercises every coming year,’’ she said.

The exercise that started at Manyatta Constituency will wingspread to all the other three Constituencies.

Dr. Mwende said that the county government, through the Department of Health, had partnered with the African Medical and Research Foundation (AMREF) and the Ministry of Health to offer free screening and treatment.

The CEC noted that this comes after 18 people diagnosed with TB in the region ran away from treatment raising concerns that they might be spreading the airborne disease.

‘’The 18 were on regular treatment but they absconded. They are being sought on court orders. They will be confined in wards for about eight months until they get healed," she said.

The biggest risk with having TB patients who fail to carry through with their treatment is, such persons become resistant to further medication. 

‘’They therefore pose a bleak danger to the general public as anyone in their vicinity with weak immunity is susceptible to infection,” Dr. Mwende said.

The event was graced by Embu County Deputy Governor, David Kariuki and attended by other county government officials.

Kariuki reiterated Mwende’s sentiments urging area residents to consider healthy eating habits to avert other emerging cases of such ailments brought by human lifestyle.

(Edited by Martin Fundi)