World TB Day 2002 - In the News

Africa News
Headline: Zambia: Breakdown in Health Services Worsens Impact of TB - WHO
Date: March 25, 2002
Byline: The Post

THE breakdown in health services, the spread of the HIV/AIDS and multi-drug resistance have worsened the impact of TB, World Health Organisation (WHO) has noted.

WHO disease prevention and control adviser Dr. Eddie Limbambala said in Lusaka yesterday during the commemoration of the World TB day that these factors had contributed to high rise of the disease in the country.

He said on a global scale the TB epidemic was growing and becoming more dangerous, killing an estimated two million people every year world-wide. "The TB burden in the country is increasing. TB has become a major cause of morbidity and mortality in Zambia," he said. Dr. Limbambala said available statistics of the disease were worrying considering the poverty situation in the country which also impacted in treatment being offered.

"This is as a result of intermittent interruptions in the supply of drugs and shortage of resources for routine services," he said. Health minister Dr. Brian Chituwo officiating at the function said there was a symbiotic relationship between poverty and TB. Dr. Chituwo also said the government had recognised TB as the major cause of death and ill health in many Zambian adults.

"Poverty, which entails poor nutrition or inadequate living conditions and poor basic health system for management of TB cases all contribute to the spread of TB and its negative impact upon the communities,"Dr. Chituwo observed.

He also said the high incidence of tuberculosis in many poor countries including Zambia meant a sick labour force, extra strain on limited health services and shackled economic growth.

Health permanent secretary Dr. Gavin Silwamba said TB treatment in Zambia will be free from diagnosis, laboratory tests and medication. National AIDS/STD/TB council director Dr. Golden Bolla said close to 35 million people are expected to die from TB by the year 2020 if nothing is done to fight it.

He said there was need for political will and finances to fight the deadly disease which he said had increased dramatically since 1985. "Without political commitment, TB, hunger, HIV/AIDS will never be controlled," he said.

Back to Home Page - WTBD '02 main page - Top of Page