The Ministry of Health celebrated World TB Day 2018 by holding a Premier Forum to raise public awareness on the disease. During the forum, all details such as signs and symptoms of TB or Tuberculosis, the need for screening for individuals at risk and the importance of treatment compliance and completion were highlighted. The Forum was held this morning at the Ministry of Health at Commonwealth Drive in Berakas.

Present was Yang Berhormat Dato Paduka Doktor Haji Mohd. Isham bin Jaafar, the Minister of Health. The Acting Director of Environment Health Services, Ministry of Health, in her welcoming remarks stated new TB cases in the country last year has decreased to 238 cases with an incidence rate of 56 point 3 for every 100 thousand residents, compared to 91 point 9 for every 100 thousand residents in 2000. The number, Doctor Hajah Norhayati binti Haji Mohd Kassim explained, includes 25 percent of TB cases that have been identified among the foreigners living in the country. She added that in 2016, no deaths caused directly by TB were reported.

 During the forum, Doctor Hajah Wadi Hana binti Haji Sudin, Senior Medical Officer, Ministry of health shared the experiences of some people who were affected by TB aside from discussing the issues of stigma and discrimination. The forum also aimed to raise awareness among healthcare professionals on the need for early diagnosis as well as encourage the involvement of stakeholders in national efforts to prevent and control tuberculosis including educational institutions and non-governmental organisations. The forum was attended by some 400 people including senior officials from the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Education, selected students leaders in secondary schools, health practitioners and relevant non-governmental organisations.

The function ended with a presentation of a Multimedia Training Package by the Minister of Health to the Director of Schools, Director of Curriculum, Director of Private Education and Director of Islamic Studies. The package contains detailed information on TB as well as preventive and control measures that are hoped to be disseminated to all school employees and students in the country.

Source:
@BRUDIRECT.COM

by BruDirect.com

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