- Por:
AMDEC
- Moçambique
World TB Day celebrated with a cry for courage to eliminate the disease
The Central Ceremonies to Commemorate World Tuberculosis (TB) Day were held in Maputo on 1 April, under the motto “YES! We Can End Tuberculosis”. The event was attended by the Government, represented at the highest level by the Minister of Health, Dr. Armindo Tiago, as well as national and international non-governmental entities committed to the fight against the disease in Mozambique. The Executive Director of AMDEC, Gilda Jossias, was present at the event, in her capacity as President of the Board of Directors of the Civil Society Platform for Health and Human Rights.
In his speech, the Minister of Health said that the TB component requires greater emphasis on prevention and research strategies, arguing that efforts should begin with personal and collective surveillance, as well as the provision of specialized and quality health care by the authorities. Armindo Tiago also highlighted the efforts being made by research institutions.
In turn, Gilda Jossias pointed out that, in addition to the widespread implementation of educational actions to increase community surveillance of the disease, priority should be given to training health professionals, including community and health agents, strengthening diagnostic capacity, expanding the laboratory network, optimizing the integrated sample transportation system and targeted screening for high-risk groups.
Likewise, Jossias highlighted the commitment of Civil Society in the fight against Tuberculosis, underlining the call for the Government to increase domestic funding for actions to combat the disease, as a strong sign of political commitment from the Government of Mozambique.
Tuberculosis is a social and economic problem in the country, affecting 361 people per 100,000 inhabitants. Of these, around 25% are dually infected with TB and HIV; 12% are children under 15 years of age; and it has been the cause of 29 deaths per 100,000 inhabitants.
