Ntcheu District is making strides in the fight against Tuberculosis (TB) following the increase in sputum collecting points, the district’s acting director of health and social services Dr Emily Jenya has disclosed.

She said this on Tuesday during a World Bank-funded media tour organised by National Tuberculosis and Leprosy Elimination Programme.

Speaking during a stop at Ntcheu District Hospital, Jenya said all indicators point towards success in the fight.

She said: “We have increased sputum collecting centres from 25 to 35.

 
Jenya: We have achieved 90 percent success rate

“This has increased our treatment success rate to 90 percent from January to March this year compared to 80 percent recorded in January to March in 2022.”

Jenya said the district recorded 149 cases from January to March this year compared to 133 recorded during the same period last year.

“On top of Ntcheu District Hospital having a facility to detect TB patients, we have planted additional equipment at Lizulu and Kasinje,” she said.

Jenya, however, lamented financial challenges, saying it is affecting their plans to roll out more awareness campaigns on TB and Leprosy.

Ntcheu District Hospital assistant TB coordinator Lameck Kanjira said the number of people being healed from the ailment is also on the rise.

“In the first quarter of 2023, out of 104 cases registered, 94 got cured and completed treatment, representing a 90 percent success rate,” he said.

One of the community volunteers, Kenneth Chikakuda from Tchale Village in Traditional Authority Ganya in the district, commended health officials for increasing the sputum collecting centres. “This has enabled patients to be diagnosed or to know their status within 24 hours,” he said.

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