By Isaac Olamikan
Edo State Government has urged residents in the state to take advantage of the free tuberculosis treatment programme in public health centres across the state.
Addressing journalists in Benin City during a sensitisation programme, the Director of Public Health, Edo State Ministry of Health, Dr. Stephenson Ojeifo, said the Edo State Government will continue to accord priority to the health needs of the people.
He said, “Tuberculosis is not a death sentence and the Edo State Government has evolved measures, which include free treatment of tuberculosis in health centres across the state.”
Dr. Ojeifo also identified symptoms of TB to include persistent cough that has stayed for more than a week, cough that contains blood, and consistent emaciation. He advised persons with such symptoms to visit the hospital for medical attention.
He said the state government will continue to enlighten and sustain awareness on the dangers of tuberculosis, symptoms and preventive measures to be taken against the spread of the disease.
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The medical expert further charged members of the public on the need to go for regular medical check-up, including testing for tuberculosis, and if diagnosed, get treated for free at any primary health centre across the state, The Trumpet gathered.
The World Health Orgnaisation (WHO) representative, Dr Efemena Onowugbeda said the organisation is poised to support the state government in tackling the infection, noting that measures are being taken to give children BCG vaccination at birth and during routine immunization.